Sterling effort from Kiwi hope

Sought After enjoyed a successful spin around Ellerslie on Sunday afternoon ahead of a much sterner autumn test at northern headquarters.

The son of Tivaci took care of a competitive age group line-up over 1200 metres as he continues his preparation toward the $3.5 million The NZB Kiwi.

Sought After’s spot in Australasia’s richest three-year-old race has already been confirmed and will represent breeder and owner Waikato Stud.

“We’ll probably bring him back here in two weeks’ time and then aim up for the big slot race,” said Andrew Scott, who trains with Lance O’Sullivan.

“The team has been really pleased with him, he’s a robust, sound gelding who will cope with summer ground.

“Lance was keen to get him here and give him a look around.”

Sought After drifted to second last today before rider Wiremu Pinn urged him forward near the turn and he lengthened stride impressively for his second win from five appearances.

“We’re very pleased, they didn’t go a quick gallop and at the 600 he was full of revs,” Scott said.

“He came out into the open and really attacked the line well.”

Sought After is out of the Savabeel mare Popular, a two-time winner up to 1400 metres, whose dam is a sister to the stud’s four-time Group 1 winner and successful but ill-fated sire Sacred Falls.

All three foals to race for Popular, who also has a two-year-old sister to Sought After, have been successful.