Altius a gilt-edged prospect

Tony Cole has no doubt that the imposing Savabeel three-year-old Altius can make his mark in top company in time. He was the best backed runner on the Auckland card and while he only got home by a narrow margin, the best is very much yet to come.

He won two trials in the spring before he was successful on debut at Ellerslie last month, but was relegated after a wayward run to the line. “He got a bit lost in front as he’s never been under pressure in his life, he’s never been off the bridle,” Cole said. “I don’t know how good he is – he’s a massive horse and has got gate speed to burn. He’s a superb animal.”

Altius was a $22,000 purchase out of WS’s 2012 Select Sale line-up and the Matamata farm will present a half-brother (Lot 151) by Pins at Karaka in 2014. They are out of the Viking Ruler mare Natural Rhythm, whose only other foal to race is the Listed Canterbury Stakes winner and Group performer Ray’s Girl (Savabeel). It also represents the Group One family of Domino (AJC Oaks, NZ Oaks), Hero (NZ 2000 Guineas), Sale Of Century (Rosehill Guineas) and Linky Dink (TJ Smith Classic).