Kiwi Chronicles
Worth the wait
A seven–day delay was worth the wait after an emphatic return to the winner’s circle from Legarto (Proisir) in the Matamata Cup (Listed, 1600m). The mare was pulled from the Arrowfield Stud Plate (Gr 1, 1600m) the previous week due to the deteriorating Hastings track, as was Saturday’s fellow competitor La Crique (Vadamos). Legarto’s slashing... Read More
More from Kiwi Chronicles
When a negative becomes a positive
Despite the arrival of daylight saving time, our New Zealand winter refuses to let go and neither does the rain which caused both Saturday’s Hastings features to be affected, making quite a contrast to the lovely spring conditions for the club’s first day, three weeks earlier. Presented with a Heavy 8 surface, hot favourite Tokyo... Read More
Making an impact
Rich Hill Stud’s Satono Aladdin (Deep Impact) could have a second top notch three-year-old vying for honours this season, judging from the impressive winning effort from Lupo Solitario over a competitive field at Tauranga on Saturday, to remain unbeaten from two starts. Already represented by last season’s dual Oaks winner, Pennyweka, as well as champion... Read More
Looking on the bright side
When approached by editor Alex Wiltshire, more than two years ago, to compile Kiwi Chronicles for ANZ Bloodstock News and summarise weekly the New Zealand breeding industry, it was humbling. The column is as much a cheerleading exercise for the success of the industry as anything else, but to be able to combine a deep... Read More
Spring in the air, and in our step
Out of the gloom of winter, Hastings’ Daffodil day on Saturday provided a preview of the potential for the new season. It was a breath of fresh spring air. The same applied to the Foxbridge Plate (Gr 2, 1200m), run two weeks ago, the three stakes races drew quality as well as interesting fields. Race... Read More
What about 2040 metres?
Aided by a great ride by Craig Williams, tough-as-teak Mr Brightside (Bullbars) played his part by defying his class rivals in Saturday’s Memsie Stakes (Gr 1, 1400m). Easy to spot after the event, the ratings listed Mr Brightside, I Wish I Win (Savabeel) and Alligator Blood (All Too Hard) each rated at 116. The next... Read More