Not Nutz Really

Breaking through at his third start, I Am Nutz (3 g I Am Invincible – Pecans, by Skilled) won the TAJC Hospitality Maiden 1150 metres on 12 February at Te Aroha.

The win also created a milestone for visiting Kiwi jockey Rory Hutchings, who recorded his 700th career win. 

I Am Nutz had found the line solidly for fifth when debuting in December, did well for third after being caught wide in the Maiden 1100 metres on 16 January at Te Rapa, and showed ability to prove competitive from barrier two. 

Hutchings, a three-time Champion Apprentice in New Zealand, and Champion Apprentice in Sydney, gave I Am Nutz a perfect trip behind the leader, quickened to lead at the 200m, and was in no doubt thereafter.

“Drawn perfectly, we had the dream run just in behind the leader,” Hutchings said.

“The horse on the outside of the leader rolled out on the home turn and we were able to get the run through. Look, he hit the front a fair way out and wanted to wander, but he still had a bit up his sleeve.”

Hutchings has returned home to ride over the summer in New Zealand, and will return at the end of March to Sydney, where he rides mainly for expat Kiwi and Champion Trainer Chris Waller, along with Joseph Pride and Michael Freedman. 

Hutchings has ridden over 300 winners in New Zealand, and around Sydney, to achieve 700 in total and last weekend won the Group 1 Herbie Dyke Stakes aboard El Vencedor. 

Adding to the merit of the performance by I Am Nutz, third placed Ziggy Stardust (Turn Me Loose) had previously finished runner-up in the Listed Champagne Stakes over 1200m.

On footing upgraded to Good3, I Am Nutz ran 1150 metres in 1:07.3, last 600m in 34.0, and remained steady in betting to pay $4.60 & $1.90 on the NZ TAB tote.

“It was a great ride by Rory and the horse has been a bit of a work in progress,” said Te Akau racing manager Reece Trumper, on behalf of training partners Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson.

“Mark and Sam have done a wonderful job with him and we’d like to thank Jamie and Chanel Beatson (Ohukia Lodge) for giving him to us to train. 

“They’ve been patient with him. He was a colt in his first prep and it didn’t work out, so they gelded him and now they’ve got a proper racehorse. 

“It was a great form race that he came out of last time at Te Rapa. High Elation, who finished second, obviously was dominant when winning the other day and we came into today with a lot of confidence.”

I Am Nutz is by the reigning Champion Sire in Australia, I Am Invincible, the sire of Imperatriz, whom David Ellis purchased in 2020 at the Gold Coast. 

The winner of 10 Group One races, the most for her sire, Imperatriz is the reigning New Zealand Horse of the Year and Champion Sprinter in Australia. Retired and sold in June last year for A$6.6 million, she became the highest priced filly or mare ever sold in the Southern Hemisphere.

I Am Nutz is the second winner out of Pecans (Skilled), who won six races from 1200m – 1600m, including two at Group Three level.

Dam sire Skilled (Commands), was owned by Sheikh Mohammed and won the Champagne Stakes (Gr. 1, 1600m). 

I Am Nutz was strapped by Hayley Hassman. 

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz