Absolutely 'No Limits'

New Zealand Bloodstock sales topping colt No Limits (2 c Savabeel - Make A Wish, by Pins), purchased by Te Akau principal David Ellis CNZM for $1.4m, from the draft of Waikato Stud, at the 2019 Karaka Book 1 Sale, resumed with a solid win on Tuesday at the Cambridge Stud Te Rapa trials.

By five-time Champion Sire Savabeel (Zabeel), from impressive dual winner Make A Wish, the impeccable looking colt is a half-brother to Queensland Oaks (Gr. 1, 2200m) runner-up Another Dollar (Ocean Park), while his second dam Starcent (Centaine) was NZ Joint Third Top Filly in her three-year-old season.

No Limits made a perfect start to his career with an impressive trial win as an early season two-year-old at Te Teko, defeating subsequent Welcome Stakes (Listed, 1000m) winner La Romanee (Burgundy) and spelled in October after placing on the same course, in a trial where Karaka Million 2YO fifth place-getter Dragon Queen (Sweynesse) finished second. 

While trainer Jamie Richards also prepared another Savabeel colt, Cool Aza Beel, for a fourth consecutive Karaka Million (Restricted Listed, 1200m) victory in January at Ellerslie, he rather likes No Limits as a miler-plus type.

“I thought that he trialled well over a short trip (900m) and carried a bit of weight with Opie (Bosson) on,” he said. “The slow ground was not really to his liking, but I think the biggest thing with this horse is that he's going to want a mile fairly quickly - 1400m to a mile.

“So, I'm happy with him and I think we're going the right way. Opie said he's got a good attitude, good temperament, nice and relaxed when you're on top of him and that he felt good. It wasn't about exerting him to win, but rather just a nice day out and teaching him that he's got a job to do.

“He's quite a big horse and has just needed time. He's always battled a bit of soreness and immaturity in his front legs and all over, but he seems to be going well now. I ride him quite a bit in his track work at home and really like him. He's certainly not as sharp or as early as Cool Aza Beel, and doesn't get along like him, but he gets along like a horse that will get a mile no problem and even a bit further as well.”

Richards said that while a few coltish tendencies were typically evident in No Limits, he thought his behaviour was generally “pretty good”.

Owned by the Te Akau 2019 Breeding Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), with similar syndicates in recent years represented by seven stallions to stand at stud in New Zealand and Australia, No Limits could be set a spring path aimed at the 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) in November at Riccarton - a race Te Akau has won six times including stallions Embellish (2017), Xtravagant (2015), Rock ‘N' Pop (2011), and Darci Brahma (2005).

“We're ready early, so we've got time to give him a freshen-up before trialling again at the end of July,” Richards said. “All going well, he could be ready to race in August at Taupo. He's a pretty exciting colt, with top-class pedigree and looks.”

“We have a goal of getting him to Christchurch for the 2000 Guineas. That's where we want to be, trying to build a future for him as a colt and he's an exciting prospect for the lead-up races. We're spoilt with the tracks and facilities we have on offer at Matamata. It's a perfect training base for all the horses and certainly a big help.”

Richards said he trialled 20 horses at the Cambridge Stud Te Rapa trials and overall was happy with both horses and riders. 

“A majority of them need more time, and continuing their education, but there was certainly a few with potential for their three-year-old season. 

“Our two apprentice boys, Diego (Montes de Oca) and Joe (Kamaruddin) are riding well and they'll be off to the races soon. They're both continuing to learn and the more time on horseback and experience they get the better.”

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