No Excuse Needed’s Pedigree Primed for Smart Update

10 August 2011

Waikato’s G1 sire No Excuse Needed’s pedigree could well be in store for some sweet updates this season, should his US 3YO half-brother Higher Court (Sharmardal) continue to play his part.

The smart Darley bred and raced colt created a big impression on debut at Keenland in April, winning by some 6 six lengths.

At start two, he defeated all bar the record breaker Gantry at Belmont and on Saturday, he added another tick to his three start resume with a smart front running effort that left the nearest of his Saratoga rivals 2 ¾ lengths in his wake.

Higher Court’s 1100m turf outing time of 1:01.21 provided plenty of encouragement for trainer Thomas Albertrani.

“He turned up again with another super performance,” Albertrani told www.horseracing.com.

“I think he got a 96 Beyer (Speed Figure). I haven’t made any decisions, and I’d be curious to try him on the dirt.”

Albertrani said he would be patient with Higher Court ’s development, probably looking for an overnight turf sprint stakes later.

“He looks like he’s a very talented horse,” Albertrani said.

Prior to taking up stud duties, No Excuse Needed was a top class racehorse who followed 2YO G3 success with wins at 3 & 4 in the now G1 Royal Ascot Queen Anne Stakes & G2 Goodwood Celebration Mile and was twice G1 placed.

Lanikai puts best foot forward

Ocean Park’s son Lanikai (ex Oahu) broke through for a well-deserved maiden win at Taupo, delivering on his potential after several near misses. Trained by Tony Pike and bred by Waikato Stud, the four-year-old showed his class with a comfortable victory over 1800m, promising more success ahead.

28 December 2024

Double delight for Ardrossan

Saltcoats and Beau Dazzler delivered a standout double for Ardrossan in Australia today. Saltcoats claimed his second consecutive win over 2000 metres at Randwick, prompting Group race ambitions, while Beau Dazzler dominated at Eagle Farm, setting sights on the Queensland Derby. Both sons showcase Ardrossan’s rising influence in elite racing.