Peerage - 2 from 2

Despite giving jockey Matt Cameron a torrid time, Peerage (4 g O'Reilly - Chimeara, by Danehill) converted his two previous starts for second with a win over 1800 metres on Dec. 23 at New Plymouth.

Last time out, on Dec. 2 in the Maiden 1600 metres at Te Aroha, Peerage strode freely in front and continued a strong gallop when second to Show The World (High Chaparral) who subsequently finished runner-up in the Championship Prelude (Listed, 2100m) at Ellerslie.

Keen to get on with the job into the back straight, Cameron had no choice other than to let Peerage stride forward and arrive outside the leader at the 1000 metres. Despite over-racing he kept up a resolute gallop in the straight and won convincingly in the end by three-quarters of a length.

“It was a great result given that he has had breathing issues and underwent a wind operation,” said trainer Jason Bridgman. “It was great reward for the horse and although he still has a lot to learn and does things wrong he shows plenty of promise.

“He certainly showed he can stay and now just has to learn to relax a bit better, but to Matt's credit he sat on him around the corner and bided his time as long as he could.

His dam, Chimeara, was lightly raced and won impressively as a three-year-old over a mile on good footing at Te Rapa. At stud Chimeara has left million dollar earner De Beers (Quest for Fame). Her grand-dam, Tristalove (Sir Tristram) was Head of the 1992-93 2YO Free Handicaps, and in turn her dam was the Railway Handicap (Gr. 1, 1200m) winner Diamond Lover (Sticks and Stones).

“It is unfortunate that he had to undergo a wind operation,” said Te Akau principal David Ellis, who purchased the colt from the Pencarrow draft at the Karaka Sales.

“It is a shame, because without that he showed us in his work the ability to be a potential top liner. The champion galloper So You Think had the same operation and while it was successful it is then difficult for horses to really reach their true potential.

“He's a lovely horse and the lack of pace probably exaggerated the over-racing aspect for him, but he is still learning,” said Ellis.

Picture credit - www.raceimages.co.nz