Talented Khufu breaks through
Waikato Stud and partners celebrated success with the highly-regarded Khufu at Hawera.
The colt is trained by Tony Pike, who went to $150,000 to secure him out of Curraghmore’s draft at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale at Karaka.
Khufu was an impressive trial winner last season before he finished sixth on debut in the G2 Eclipse S. at Ellerslie and plans scrapped for a tilt at the R. Listed Karaka Million.
The son of American Pharoah was then given a good break and returned to win one of his two trials ahead of his maiden victory yesterday.
Khufu is out of the Alamosa mare Strada Cavallo, who was a talented mare and won the Listed John Grigg S. and progressed to finish runner-up in the G1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas and third in the G1 New Zealand Oaks.
Wolfy reacts well to change
A tactical change by trainer Nicky Ryan saw Tivaci’s son, Wolfy, triumph at Flemington on Saturday. Dropping back to 1200 metres with blinkers applied, the Waikato Stud-bred four-year-old stormed to victory under Ethan Brown, showcasing a powerful finish to secure his third career win.
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Frustrating runs ends in style
Slipper Island returned to winning ways at Trentham with a powerful finish over 1200 metres, ending a 17-month drought despite consistent form with seven placings. Trainer Tony Pike praised the stable favourite, describing him as “frustrating but talented.” A son of No Nay Never, he was purchased for $180,000 at Karaka.
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