Charmander Goes Back to Back

Appearing hard to beat, Charmander (3 g Shooting to Win - Moment of Choice, by Choisir) proved too good in the $12,000 Challenge Matamata Rating 65 1400 metres on 30 March at Matamata.

After running good 600m times (34.5 and 34.4) for third and fifth respectively, in his first two starts, trainer Jamie Richards elected to freshen the gelding. Charmander repaid the initiative when unleashing a devastating finish to win a Maiden 1200 metres on 4 March at Awapuni, and stepping in grade, carrying 60kg, proved no obstacle.

Handily placed from barrier four, Charmander was off the bridle for a short time nearing the home turn, with 400m to run, but responded to urging by rider Opie Bosson and stretched out athletically over the concluding stages.

On lovely footing (Dead5), with the fire just out, Charmander ran 1400 metres in 1:23.0, the last 600m in 34.9, and extended his record to two wins and a third from four starts.

“It was another good win by Charmander,” said Jamie Richards. “We rode him a bit differently than Awapuni, and raced handier to the speed.

“He came under pressure when they quickened, but as soon as he balanced up and got on the outside leg he hit the line strongly.

“He's put a couple of wins together, is getting better as he gets stronger and is certainly a promising horse. Edmund (Wong) is a nice owner and we look forward to him working through the grades.”

Owned by Mr. Edmund Wong, Charmander was purchased as a weanling by David Ellis CNZM for $30,000 at 2019 Karaka May Sale, from the draft of Monovale Farm.

Following the manner of his Maiden win, Ellis suggested Charmander would quickly win again.

“The way Charmander won at Awapuni I thought he'd be tough to beat at his next start as well, and it's never easy jumping from Maiden to Rating 65 so it shows he's a good horse,” Ellis said.

“Edmund is a really good client and friend of mine from Hong Kong. He's a great man to train for and I'm really looking forward to being able to leave New Zealand, go to see him in Hong Kong, and spend some time with him.”

Young Darley stallion Shooting to Win (Northern Meteor) has already sired over 300 winners, including recent Group 1 winner Mascarpone, and is touted by highly respected judges in the New Zealand breeding industry.

Dam-sire Choisir (Danehill Dancer), a history making racehorse that won Group 1 sprints in both hemispheres, is also sire of Leading Second Season stallion and emerging sire Proisir.

Charmander is from the versatile family of smart staying horse Kapitain Kash (Kaapstad), Counties Cup (Gr.2, 2100m) winner, as well as Champion Hong Kong Sprinter Aerovelocity (Pins).

Charmander was strapped by Rylee Sheehan.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz