Brave Winner Set For Easter

25 February 2013

Brave Centaur was an appropriate winner of Saturday’s Waikato Stud Handicap at Matamata where he made a successful open class debut. By O’Reilly out of a Centaine mare, the five-year-old is now on a path toward a Group One feature.

“He surprised me a bit as he’s never been able to win a 1200 metre race before,” trainer Lance Noble said. “He is at the peak of his form and to win like that is really pleasing. The ideal target race for him is the Easter Handicap.”

Brave Centaur, who had been a lower grade winner at the Hawke’s Bay spring carnival, had been successful at Ellerslie at his previous two appearances before a freshen up for his home meeting. Ridden by Mark Hills, he was behind the leaders turning for home and rounded off strongly in the straight.

Ardrossan’s Ardalio in the NZB Kiwi contention

All the King’s horses for all the King’s Men—Ardalio is set for another big stage, this time in the NZB Kiwi. The lightly raced filly has secured a slot in the $3.5 million feature on Barfoot & Thompson Champions Day, bringing high hopes and strong connections to Ellerslie on March 8.

4 February 2025

Sethito secures slot in the NZB Kiwi

Waikato Thoroughbred Racing has teamed up with Waikato Stud and Wexford Stables to nominate high-quality filly Sethito (Super Seth ex Suavito) for the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m). Trained by Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott, Sethito has impressed this season, including a Gr.3 Bonecrusher Stakes victory at Ellerslie.