Stud graduate stars at Te Rapa

Andalus relished a step up in distance at Te Rapa on Wednesday afternoon to break his maiden and suggest he can challenge for high honours over a Classic trip.

The son of Almanzor had previously placed at a high level and in his first attempt at 1600 metres the three-year-old finished powerfully to open his winning account.

Trainer Stephen Marsh has always held Andalus in high regard and has G1 New Zealand Derby aspirations for the Waikato Stud graduate.

Rider Craig Zackey had the gelding travelling well in midfield and once into the clear 300 metres from home he let down powerfully.

Andalus, who was twice Group placed last season, was a $420,000 purchase at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale for agent Bruce Perry on behalf of prominent owner Lib Petagna.

His dam Genius was successful four times and the Savabeel mare is out of a half-sister to the Listed New Zealand St Leger winner Ritzy Lady and the family of South African Group winners Hancock Park and her daughter Park Lane.