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.

Farm yarns: Mark Chittick

It was lovely to get off the farm for an incredible weekend at The Everest in Randwick. Despite I Wish I Win not performing his best, the day was phenomenal, with an amazing crowd and great racing. Back on the farm, the stallions are thriving, and spring is going brilliantly!

25 October 2024

The Corner with Garry Chittick

The thrill of racing can be unpredictable, like Bantam Rooster one day, Feather Duster the next. Last week, I Wish I Win’s run in the Everest was a mystery, despite perfect preparation. Even the best horses have off days, and without answers, all we can do is wonder.