Boxing Day Win 2 - Mohawk Brave Indeed

With a whirlwind finish, Mohawk Brave (3 g Extreme Choice - Ben's Duchess, by Munnings) made it two from two in $30,000 Aberdeen on Broadway Rating 65 1200 metres on Boxing Day at Awapuni.

Getting back, as he did before flattening out with good turn of foot for his debut victory in a Maiden 3YO 1000 metres on 28 October at Te Aroha, Mohawk Brave and Te Akau apprentice jockey Niranjan Parmar were equal to task again when making up many lengths, finishing two-to-one.

Given time (59 days) between wins, Mohawk Brave was not pressured making ground for fourth to stable-mate Vamos Bebe (I Am Invincible) at the trials on 13 December at Rotorua, enjoyed weight relief to 53.5kg and as such, rated a top three prospect.

That he was able to win in such spectacular fashion, indicates a galloper with raw talent.

“That was a fantastic win,” Richards said. “He's a horse that has always shown a lot of ability, despite carrying a few niggling immaturity issues. We seem to be on top of them now with some good help from the team at home who take really good care of him.

“He's got a great turn of foot and Parmar is riding so well. His four-kilo claim is invaluable, the way that he's riding. He didn't have a lot of room from the 600m, being lent on, but he waited, balanced him up and didn't knock him around.

“So, very pleased with both the ride and how the horse was able to win. I'm thrilled to have another nice horse for John Galvin (Fortuna Syndications) and the owners, because we have been a touch quiet in the Fortuna colours since the departure of Melody Belle.”

On footing upgraded to Good3 after race one, Mohawk Brave ran 1200 metres in 1:11.2 and paid $3.50 & $1.60 on NZ TAB.

Not A Single Doubt (Redoute's Choice) sire Extreme Choice was a dual Group 1 winning sprinter standing at Newgate Farm, N.S.W, while dam Ben's Duchess (Munnings) was a Group 3 winner over 1307 metres in America.

With his oldest crop now three-year-olds, Leading First Season Sire in Australia Extreme Choice has already sired horses to win 29 races, seven at stakes' level, including Golden Slipper (Gr. 1, 1200m) winner Stay Inside.

After his first win, Galvin outlined a successful model utilized by himself and Te Akau Singapore trainer Mark Walker, buying horses that had failed to make it as stallion prospects in Australia.

Mohawk Brave was originally purchased by James Harron Bloodstock for $160,000 at the Inglis Classic Sale, and following a couple of trials, Galvin bought him for $65,000 back in January at the Inglis Digital Sale.

“I thought Parmar rode him really well,” Galvin said. “He settled beyond midfield but mounted a really strong run and finished over the top of them.

“Two starts for two wins, he's a nice type of horse for sure. When we bought him he was destined to go to Singapore, using the model that Mark and I have been using over the last few years.

“But there were a few issues around protocols and flights etc, so rather than wait and have him in a paddock for three months we elected to bring him to New Zealand, and it's paid off.

“We'll space his races, which suits him. He's by the sire of the moment in Australia, Extreme Choice, who sires these speedy types.

“He was with the Snowden's in Sydney, but was a bit colty and not up to city class. He'd only had a couple of trials and took the eye of Mark and myself.”

Mohawk Brave was strapped by Sam Bergerson.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz