Kabugee You Cracker

Impressive debut winner Kabugee (3 g Satono Aladdin - Kabuki, by Shinko King) resumed with victory in the $30,000 Arawa Park Hotel 3YO 1215 metres on 16 October at Rotorua.

Kabugee had no trouble becoming the first domestic winner for Satano Aladdin (Deep Impact) in January at Te Aroha, in the Maiden 2YO 1000 metres, when getting across heels mid-straight and he looked good quickening to lead before easing late to win by two lengths.

Trialled twice in preparation to resume, with stable rider Opie Bosson again the saddle, Kabugee was keen early outside the leader before gaining cover inside the 600m. He ranged to lead three wide on straightening and kicked strongly to hold stable-mate Stoneybreck (Tavistock) at bay by a short head.

“He fought hard and stuck his head out,” said Bosson, on unsaddling.

Jockey Lisa Allpress, aboard Stoneybreck, said: “I just came off Opie's heels too early, but he grabbed the bit when one came around. He stretched out and chased well.”

Under sunny skies, on improving Heavy8 footing, Kabugee ran 1215 metres in 1:14.0, last 600m in 34.9, and drifted in betting to pay $3.10 & $1.60 on the NZ TAB tote.

“He's an unassuming sort of horse, not big by any means, but he wants to be a racehorse and knows where the winning post is,” said trainer Mark Walker.

“He'll improve further with the run under his belt and there's some nice races coming up over the Christmas period for him.”

Bred by Cambridge Hunt, which includes the brothers Barry, Graeme and Peter Hunt, Kabugee is owned in conjunction with Kabugee 2020 Syndicate, managed by Stephen Hunt (TAB bookmaker) and comprises about 15 family & friends.

Kabugee is out of stakes' performed mare Kabuki, an impressive winner over 1400 metres and half-sister to Champion Sire Tavistock (Montjeu), who, along with Kabugee, has left smart winner Akerra (Ekraar).

“It's great to have Cambridge Hunt and the Hunt family and friends with a horse in the stable,
said Te Akau principal David Ellis CNZM.

“They've bred and raced some top horses and Kabugee, having won both his starts, looks like he's got a nice future.  It's nice to start off with a quinella.

“Sam Bergerson (Assistant Trainer) and Reece Trumper (Racing Manager) looked after the horses at Rotorua, and the whole team is doing a great job.

“We may get one more week of soft tracks, but should be back to better ones after that and we're looking forward to getting our horses out on good ground.  All our team worked through a particularly wet Winter and Spring and are doing an amazing job and they really are the true heroes of the racing industry.”

Kabugee was strapped by Kohen Collett.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz