Rotorua Cup result highlights Ardrossan’s rising influence

Saturday at Arawa Park, it was the progeny of Ardrossan and Savabeel who fought out the Listed Campbell Infrastructure Rotorua Cup (2200m) in testing Heavy 9 conditions. But it was Pacifico, the son of Ardrossan, who proved strongest where it mattered most, edging out the Waikato Stud-bred Savoir Faire (Savabeel ex Etiquette) by a half head.

The victory provided Ardrossan with his ninth stakes winner from limited runners, with the son of Redoute’s Choice continuing to strike at a remarkable 8.4% stakes winners to runners.

Trained by Andrew Forsman, Pacifico was bred and is raced by the Carter family’s Jomara Bloodstock operation and is the final foal of the Montjeu mare Carib.

“He is a neat horse and just so honest,” Forsman said. “I wasn’t sure if he was going to run a strong 2200m on what is a very holding track, but it was a gutsy effort and a great ride from George (Rooke).

“He is a horse that keeps surprising, keeps stepping up and is getting better and better with age.”

Ardrossan’s rise continues to gather momentum, with the Waikato Stud sire producing stakes winners at 8.4% while also attracting strong demand in the sale ring, where 17 of his Karaka yearlings sold for six figures earlier this year.

Ardrossan will stand for an unchanged frr of $20,000 plus GST this season, while Savabeel’s book has been set to private.