Stable plotting Derby coup with maiden

23 February 2016

Splendido’s connections have designs on making the three-year-old O’Reilly gelding’s first victory a memorable one.

He has yet to break his duck in seven starts this season, but he is a stakes performer and will be making his second appearance at the elite level when he takes his place in the BMW New Zealand Derby on Saturday week.

“He’s perfect, right on target,” said trainer Bruce Wallace’s foreman Allan Peard.

Runner-up in the Listed BMW Salver, Splendido was then sixth when beaten four lengths by Kawi in the Zabeel Classic and he has finished runner-up at his last two outings.

“He was three wide the whole trip without cover last Saturday and only just got run down and his worst performance was in the Group One,” Peard said.

Currently a $31 hope in the Derby market, Splendido is raced by Wallace with Mark Wyborn, who is also a part-owner of the $8 chance Provocative.

– NZ Racing Desk.

Super Seth 3YO remains unbeaten

Puntin, trained by Bjorn Baker, maintained his unbeaten record with an effortless win at Moruya. The son of Super Seth stepped up to 1400 metres, dominating older rivals to win by four lengths. Bred by GSA Bloodstock, Puntin hails from a stellar pedigree featuring Group winners Shania Dane and Scintillation.

6 January 2025

Max makes it count at Otaki

Waikato Stud graduate Mad Max (Maxmara), a son of Savabeel, broke through for a deserved maiden win at Otaki under apprentice Lily Sutherland. Trained by Andrew Forsman, the well-bred four-year-old impressed with a strong finish over 1200 metres, boosting confidence after earlier placings and showcasing his elite pedigree and potential.