Exciting Sprinter Splurge Resumes

The Informant reports:

Splurge, one of the sprinting finds of the New Zealand summer, will be on trial for a Brisbane winter campaign when he resumes in tomorrow's (Saturday) $40,000 Aon Insurance Brokers Premier at Te Rapa.

By Savabeel out of the Group One performer Splashing Out, Splurge was bought by Te Akau principal David Ellis for $500,000 as a yearling at Karaka.

The four-year-old has earned more than a fifth of that back from just five starts this season, recording four wins and a second. In his most recent appearance he stretched out impressively in the last 200 metres to overpower Volks Lightning and Rangipo for a first stakes win in the Gr. 3 Darley Plate at Ellerslie.

Splurge was given a brief let-up after that win and returned to competition with a trial win at Taupo on Monday.

“It was a good win at the trials and he's come through it very well,” co-trainer Stephen Autridge said. “We're expecting him to run a good race this weekend.”

Splurge will be ridden again by stable rider Opie Bosson, who has guided him to both of his last two victories. The pair will jump from the outside gate in an 11-horse field.

Autridge and training partner Jamie Richards are assembling a potent team for the upcoming Brisbane winter carnival, headed by Group One winners Heroic Valour, Hall Of Fame and Melody Belle. If Splurge performs up to expectations tomorrow, he is likely to join that Queensland contingent.

“Provided he runs well on Saturday, he's likely to be off to Brisbane as well,” Autridge said. “There could be some nice sprint races for him during the carnival.”

Splurge will carry 59.5 kilograms tomorrow, half a kilogram less than the two topweights Irish Moon and Mighty Solomon. Accomplished sprinter Irish Moon is a five-time winner at Te Rapa and has won eight times over 1200 metres, while Mighty Solomon's last start was a creditable fourth behind Kawi, Start Wondering and Sofia Rosa in the Gr. 1 Haunui Farm WFA Classic at Otaki.