MOVE TO STRIKE

Exciting colt Move To Strike proved his class as a 2YO in the 2023/24 season.

After winning three trials, the son of I Am Invincible was dominant on debut when ridden by Te Akau stable rider Opie Bosson ONZM at Te Rapa in December 2023.  His 4.8 length win certainly turned heads, and reinforced the opinion the stable had of him.

His second start in the $225,000 Group 2 SkyCity Eclipse Stakes over 1200m at Pukekohe on New Year's Day 2024 saw him unsuited on the soft going.  Nonetheless he showed plenty of spirit to push his stablemate Bellatrix Star to a long head when finishing a gallant second, again with Bosson in the saddle.

In February he was sent out hot favourite for the $100,000 Group 3 Fairview Matamata Slipper 2YO C&G SW 1200m. Unplaced, he was found to have had mild heart arrhythmia in the event.

Working closely with Te Akau's veterinary team, a plan was put in place to see Move To Strike return to racing and he did so with distinction.  In April 2024 he was a stunning winner of the $450,000 Group 1 Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes 2YO SW 1400m at Trentham.  Ridden by Wiremu Pinn, who didn't panic when the colt was slow away, he settled last biding his time and delivered a huge finish to claim the elite honours by a length.

Raced by the Te Akau 2023 Stallion Breeding Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), Move To Strike was one of two colts purchased for the partnership by David Ellis CNZM at the Magic Millions' Gold Coast Sale.

He has raced four times, for two wins and a runner up placing, earning $340,250 to date.