Champers for Chambord

Backed as unbeatable, Chambord (3 g Zabeel - Miss Montjeu, by Montjeu) obliged by five lengths in the Farmers Air 1200 metres on Sept. 22 at Gisborne.

“He was never out of second gear,” enthused jockey Matt Cameron, after Chambord came from fourth in running and sprinted clear inside the 250 metres. “He did everything right and didn't require much urging, got balanced and stretched out beautifully.

Wearing a tongue tie in addition to his gear, Chambord travelled easily throughout and changing stride over the concluding stages he went on past the post like a horse destined to run a lot further.

At the time of his purchase, for $200,000 from the draft of Cambridge Stud at the 2012 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale, Te Akau principal David Ellis earmarked Chambord for the Te Akau Cups' Syndicate.

“I decided I was going to buy some colts specifically for the Derby, Caulfield and Melbourne Cups,” said Ellis. “Horses that would train on to become staying horses and I've had a lot of owners that have come to me and expressed interest in being involved in really top staying types.

Ellis said of Chambord: “He's a colt that was one of Mark's (Walker) picks of the sale and was also rated as one of the staying colts of the sale by well-known veterinarian Jim Marks”.

“He's a good horse and it was a lovely, patient ride by Matt (Cameron), and it will give the horse a lot of confidence,” said Te Akau trainer Jason Bridgman, as Chambord returned to scale.

Shortened immediately in the market for the 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) on Nov. 16 at Riccarton, from $61 to $26, Chambord had displayed a terrific turn of foot to win his trial over 1000 metres on Aug. 6 at Te Teko, and finished second after being posted wide on the track at the same venue on Aug. 27.

“He ran up to the form we had seen at the trials,” said Bridgman. “It was pleasing to see him relax and as he continues to mature with racing he looks an exciting prospect.

“We will keep our feet on the ground and see how he pulls up before assessing where we go with him next,” said Bridgman.

Photos credit www.raceimages.co.nz

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