Seth’s speedster too slick

Youthful short course specialist Poetic Champion made an impressive return to competition at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day.

Super Seth’s talented three-year-old son accounted for his older open handicap rivals over 1200 metres in his first outing for three months.

He was sent for a break after finishing fourth in the Hawke’s Bay Guineas and following that run over 1400 metres trainer Tony Pike made the call to keep the chestnut to shorter trips.

Poetic Champion was quickly into his work under rider Matt Cartwright to sit in second spot before he hit the front 250 metres from home and stayed on strongly for the thick end of the $90,000 stake.

“I thought he had enough in hand and he won well. He’s going well and will improve again.

“I love this horse, he had to step up and has acquitted himself so well.”

Poetic Champion has now won three of his nine starts for breeder and owner Jonathan Munz, who operates under his GSA Bloodstock banner, including success in the Listed El Roca – Sir Colin Meads Trophy.

“He’s an electric horse fresh and we wanted to keep his races spaced through to Karaka Millions night,” Pike said.

A decision has yet to be made whether the gelding will then take on the older horses again in the Gr.1 Railway or run against his own age group in the Gr.3 Almanzor Trophy.

Poetic Champion is a son of the Royal Academy mare Regally Blonde who is a half-sister to the multiple Group 1-winning sprinter and sire Starspangledbanner.