I Wish I Win - Wins on Debut

Backed as if unbeatable ($1.40), I Wish I Win  (2 g Savabeel - Make A Wish, by Pins) produced a fitting performance in the $10,000 H R Jones & Co Maiden 2YO 1200 metres on Saturday at Awapuni.

In the hands of Johnathan Parkes, who recently combined to make it three in row aboard stable-mate On the Bubbles (Brazen Beau) in the Karaka Million 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m), I Wish I Win took two smart trial victories into his debut outing and had no trouble beating a few with race day form.

Having already shown both ability and versatility and boasting a rich pedigree, I Wish I Win was able to secure a soft trip outside the leader before quickening clear a furlong out and allowed the luxury of easing down near the line.

Two and quarters lengths clear, I Wish I Win ran the 1200 metres in 1:12.4, last 600m 35, on Dead4 footing.

Commentator Tony Lee said: “He won with a lot in hand and a little further will hold no fears. He went by and put a bit of space in them with long raking strides, and a strongly covered type - very smart.”

In training for Waikato Stud, I Wish I Win became the 18^thtwo-year-old win this season for trainer Jamie Richards. Incredibly, he has lined up 12 juveniles in 39 races for 18 wins (strike rate 2.1) and 13 placed.

“He's a nice horse and one we've got a lot of time for,” Richards said. “He's always shown plenty in his track work and gallops and at the trials.

“He's a lovely type of horse, great colour, and he's got a wonderful attitude. Unfortunately, he was unable to be sold by Waikato Stud, because he's quite rotated outwards in one of his front legs but it doesn't appear to affect him when he's galloping. There's a lot to be said for gelding horses and letting them grow out naturally, often to the benefit slight physical issues.”

Richards suggested that after a few easy days and a preparatory trial, I Wish I Win could be set for the $225,000 Sires' Produce Stakes (Gr. 1, 1400m) on Saturday 3 April at Awapuni, a race won for the past three years by Te Akau horses Yourdeel (Dundeel), Avantage (Fastnet Rock) and Melody Belle (Commands) and one in which Richards is again strongly represented.

“It was a good effort by the team at home and a nice ride by Parksy to put him up in the race,” Richards said. “We've got Sam (Bergerson) and our apprentice Joe (Kamaruddin) looking after the horses today at Awapuni. They're two great guys that we're really proud of, a pleasure to work with, and Sam is stepping up to be a crucial part of the stable.”

By Waikato Stud resident six-time Champion Sire Savabeel (Zabeel), his dam, Make A Wish, by award winning stallion Pins (twice NZ leading sire for global progeny earnings), was an impressive race winner at 1200m and 1300m; from Starcent (Centaine), Joint Third Top Filly in her three-year-old season. Making I Wish I Win a half-brother to Queensland Oaks (Gr. 1, 2400m) runner-up and multiple stakes placed Another Dollar (Ocean Park).

Bred on the same cross as stable star and triple Group One winner in Australia, Probabeel, purchased at the yearling sales by David Ellis CNZM, from the draft of Waikato Stud, and owned by Brendan Lindsay (MNZM) and Jo Lindsay (Cambridge Stud).

“You always know when a horse comes into the stable with the WS brand that it's a really good chance, and it's exciting to train horses for Garry & Mark Chittick,” Ellis said. “He's from one of their best families that we've trained quite a few very good horses from and it continues to produce.

“It's a farm that breeds top horses from an outstanding broodmare band, and we're also looking forward to lining up 1000 Guineas' place-getter Cornflower Blue for the Waikato Stud team tomorrow in a stakes' race at Ellerslie.”

I Wish I Win was strapped by Joe Kamaruddin.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz