Successful start to Aussie raid
Phase one of an Aussie raid has been successfully completed.
Four-year-old mares Campari and Mark Two both enjoyed dominant wins on their debut maiden races across the Tasman at Gosford, over 1100 and 1600 metres respectively, worth A$35,000 each.
Go Racing Manager Albert Bosma is pleased with how the strategy to race promising horses through the Australian grades is paying off. “We’ve worked on this plan for 4 -5 months. We recognised the potential and the prize money in New South Wales but wanted to stay loyal to our New Zealand trainers. We have been able to achieve both and it’s always nice to take some money off the Aussies!”
With recent increases in prize money in New South Wales, a maiden win there is equivalent to a Saturday feature race and a maiden win combined in New Zealand.
“We are always looking at innovative ways to maximize our return to owners – both financially and in terms of fun. It’s not hard to do the maths on this one.”
It was about as kiwi as a Lord of the Rings film set with New Zealand bred horses, New Zealand trainers and New Zealand jockey James McDonald in the saddle who is flying high since his return to the saddle this season.
Going forward, Campari will next race at Warwick Farm on the 24th of October in a Benchmark 70, 1400 metres worth A$50,000 (NZ$55,000) which is worth more than the prize money in a listed race in New Zealand. “It’s a nice step for her and she will improve significantly from her fresh up win, but she will peak when she gets to 1600 metres at her subsequent starts.”
Mark Two next races at Royal Randwick on the 27th Of October in a Benchmark 78, 2000 metres worth A$125,000 (NZ$140,000) – worth more than a Group 2 race in New Zealand. “The distance will suit and we expect her to be very competitive, but she will go even better at 2400 metres.”
“It’s a satisfying start and our owners are enjoying every minute.”