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.

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.