Listed Win for Wolfie

A plan hatched sometime ago by Te Akau trainer Jason Bridgman, came to fruition when Wolfwhistle (4 h O'Reilly - Legs, by Pins) took out the Christchurch Casino Spring Classic (Listed, 2000m) on Saturday October 25 at Riccarton.

Having trained Viana (Volksraad) to win the corresponding stakes' race last year, Bridgman felt Wolfwhistle was the right horse for the job but even after his rating went to 74, when winning earlier in October, it was only a lack of entries that enabled him to make the final field of twelve - and start favourite ($2.10).

Flying south as late as Wednesday night, once confirmed a start, Wolfwhistle was advantaged by drawing barrier one and he idled along three back on the inner. Fifth on straightening, jockey Matt Cameron weaved a passage between horses before switching back to the rail for a run at the 200m and Wolfwhistle extended nicely to win well.

Just minutes earlier at Ellerslie, members of the Te Akau Wolfwhistle Syndicate had witnessed King's Rock (Fastnet Rock), another horse they race in the same syndicate, run a terrific race for second.

“It was a really satisfying win for Wolfwhistle and his connections,” said trainer Jason Bridgman.

“He's always shown the promise, as a two and three-year-old, and it's great to see him back on track after having to undergo a wind operation in the spring of his three-year-old season and winning three of his six races since.

“He came in nicely at the weights (53kgs) and I'm delighted for the owners that have shown plenty of patience,” said Bridgman.

Wolfwhistle will gain valuable rating points in victory and appears an ideal type to contest cup races over the summer months, with low weights.

Purchased by Te Akau principal David Ellis for $240,000 at the 2012 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale, from the draft of Waikato Stud, Wolfwhistle (still an entire) has now won four of his ten starts.

His dam, Legs (Pins - River Century, by Centaine), was Joint top filly on the 2005-06 NZ 3YO Free Handicaps. She recorded Group One wins in the New Zealand Oaks (2400m) and Kelt Capital Stakes (2040m), also won the Eulogy Stakes (Gr. 3, 1600m) and finished second in the Desert Gold Stakes (Gr. 3, 1600m) in a career of five wins from twelve starts, and stakes of $875,428.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.net.nz