He Cracked It ~ Season Win 100

Winning two of his last three, I Am Nutz (3 g I Am Invincible – Pecans, by Skilled) led throughout in the $40,000 3YO 1350 metres on Saturday at Wanganui.

After breaking through at his third start in the Maiden 1150 metres on 12 February at Te Aroha, when clocking a good final sectional (33.9 last 600m), I Am Nutz had finished strongly once clear for fifth in the 3YO 1200 metres on 15 March at Tauranga, and rated a top three chance.

Ridden by the country's leading jockey Craig Grylls, who also was aboard last start, I Am Nutz assumed the lead without expending too much energy, travelled within himself, quickened approaching the home turn at the 400m, and sustained a strong gallop to beat the more favoured Wingman (Swiss Ace) and Tycoon Boss (Street Boss).

“I thought the pattern early (race one) might be up and in, so he got there and got a nice enough time in front,” Grylls said.

“He found a good kick and I probably ended up wider in the straight than I wanted, but he laid out a bit, and he’s handled ground a bit worse than a Soft6.”

On footing that downgraded after the race to Soft7, I Am Nutz ran 1350 metres in 1:22.80, last 600m in 35.9 (approx.), and drifted in betting to pay $5.10 & $1.80 on the NZ TAB tote.

The race was sponsored by Manawatu Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners' Association. 

The win brought about the 100th this season for premiership leading trainers Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson, after recording the 15th training title for the stable last season, and recently provided Te Akau with their 100th Group One victory when Return To Conquer (Snitzel) won the Group 1 Sistema Stakes.

Owned by Jamie and Chanel Beatson (Ohukia Lodge), I Am Nutz is by the reigning Champion Sire in Australia, I Am Invincible (Invincible Spirit).

I Am Nutz is the second winner out of Pecans (Skilled), who won six races from 1200m – 1600m, including two at Group 3 level.  His dam sire Skilled (Commands), was owned by Sheikh Mohammed and won the Group 1 Champagne Stakes over 1600m.

“It was another good, tough effort to win, and thanks to the owners for giving us the horse to train,” Walker said.

“He was gelded after his first prep and they’ve now got a proper racehorse. He can go out for a spell and come back for the spring.

“He’s done a good job winning two of his five starts and he’s beaten a handy field today, so he looks to have a good future.

“I think he’ll strengthen for the break, which should see him improve further.

“He just got away with the (soft) track conditions today, and probably lucky it was race one. He’s got a good action and will be better on top of the ground next season. 

“The win brought up the 100th for season, and I’d like to thank Sam (Bergerson) for doing such a great job as a training partner, especially as I’m spending more time at our stable in Cranbourne, and all the staff at the stables and the farm (Te Akau Stud) for all their hard work.”

Te Akau also had incredible success with the greatest progeny by I Am Invincible, Imperatriz, whom David Ellis CNZM purchased in 2020 at the Gold Coast, and she won 10 Group 1 races.

The Logines Highest Rated Mare and Best Sprinter in the World last season, Imperatriz was also crowned Australian Champion Sprinter, Champion Sprinter/Miler in New Zealand twice, and New Zealand Horse of the Year.

Retired and sold in May last year for A$6.6 million, becoming the highest priced filly or mare ever sold in the Southern Hemisphere, Imperatriz recorded 10 Group 1 wins, from 1000m – 1600m, among 19 victories from 27 starts, and nearly NZ$7.6 million in prize money. 

“Jamie and Chanel (Beatson) have given us some lovely horses to train and it’s great to be rewarding them with wins,” said Ellis, who is inspecting yearlings ahead of the Inglis Bloodstock Australian Easter Yearling Sales on 6 & 7 April.

“There are certainly some lovely horses her for sale, but I don’t anticipate we’ll be very strong after already buying 62 yearlings this season. 

“We’re always on the lookout for the good horses though, and we’ve bought some top horses for owners at the Easter Sale in the past.

“I’m thrilled for Sam (Bergerson) to be going so well in just his second season of training, and also our racing manager Reece Trumper, and assistant trainers: Nicole Shailer at Matamata, Hunter Durrant at Riccarton, and Ben Gleeson at Cranbourne.  Michael (Gray) who strapped the horse, also has a big future with Te Akau so watch this space for that news.

“They’re all doing a great job of managing the horses and our wonderful team of passionate young people.

“We’ve broken New Zealand records with 160 and 203 wins in recent seasons, had 169 last season, and it’s great to have got to 100 with plenty of the season still to come. It’s a huge team effort.”

I Am Nutz was strapped by Michael Gray. 

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz