New Zealand Season Win 99

After creating a favourable impression winning first-up on the course in December, Navalha  (3 g Sebring - Afiado, by Encosta De Lago) made it two from two in the $10,000 Rating 65 1200 metres on 25 January at Matamata.

Owned by the Fortuna Navalha Syndicate (Mgr: John Galvin), he had finished fourth from three starts in N.S.W., before arriving in New Zealand, and the manner of his successes indicate more lies ahead.

Pushed up, but settled off a competitive pace, Navalha came from seventh inner at the 600m before stomping clear on straightening and he picked them up in measured fashion to score a soft win under Troy Harris.

On perfect Dead4 footing, Navalha ran the 1200 metres in 1:10.9 and returned $3.10 & $1.60 as race favourite in the race sponsored by The Boltholder.

“It was another good strong win after winning his Maiden on the course last time,” said trainer Jamie Richards.

“We gave him time after he won here on 23 December and had this race picked out as an ideal next assignment on his home track.

“Everything had gone really well in the interim. He'd done some nice work and we'd been happy with him.

“Troy (Harris) gave him a lovely ride, although a touch further back than intended but they went hard and it all worked out well.

“I'm really pleased for John (Galvin). He bought this horse through an Inglis online auction in Australia, and we're really pleased to be training him New Zealand.”

Navalha was strapped by Sumeet Pillay.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz