Ardrossan sires Trans-Tasman Saturday double

Saturday proved another strong day for Ardrossan, with two of his sons adding further wins to their records on either side of the Tasman.

At Tauranga, progressive four-year-old Pacifico made it back-to-back victories over 1600m for Jomara Bloodstock, who bred and race the gelding. Trained by Andrew Forsman and ridden by apprentice Jack Taplin, Pacifico continues to go from strength to strength. He is the 10th foal of the Montjeu mare Carib.

Later in the day at Flemington, exciting three-year-old Taken made it four wins on the trot for trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr and owners Carl and Lorraine Holt. Carrying 60kg, the son of Ardrossan delivered another impressive on-pace performance over the famous straight mile.

Taken kicked off his winning run in April with a 1200m maiden success at Pakenham, followed by two stylish city victories over 1600m.

“Obviously less dominant (than last start), but he carried a lot of weight,” Kent Jnr said post-race.

“He’s deep into a campaign, so you’re always wondering where the end is, but it’s so hard to win a race at Flemington, let alone two on the bounce.

“Credit to the whole team back home, they’re working really hard during winter. I thought he turned out in beautiful order, and there’s a big group of owners here to cheer him on.

“Whether he goes one more, we’ll have a look – he’s done a great job.”

Taken won’t be rushed into the upper echelons too soon, but Kent Jnr thinks his racing pattern greatly bolsters the three-year-old’s chances of making the grade with time.

“I think he’s a nice horse to keep going through his grades. We’ve all spoken about going to ten furlongs at some point in his career,” he said.

“We didn’t have to at this stage, but that would open some more doors. I’d say he deserves a spell at the right time; I wouldn’t be short-cycling back into a deep spring campaign.

“He’s just got a fantastic racing style. Any horse that can roll forward in a relaxed manner, drop the bit, conserve energy and then find off the bridle – it’s a great way to win races.”

Taken was bred by the Dewar Partnership and is the second foal of the Henrythenavigator mare Katherine Wright.