Publicist Powers Home

Publicist (3 c Redoute's Choice - Valadon, by Woodman) continued his progression with a copybook victory in the $10,000 Maiden 1600 metres on Saturday at Ashburton.

Having found the line for third on debut over 1200 metres and finished fourth after contesting the pace a fortnight ago over 1400 metres, both at Riccarton, he was suited stepping to a mile and rider Opie Bosson gave him a lovely trip in the race sponsored by Gary McCormick Bin Hire.

A clear favourite ($2.00), Publicist was at the head of affairs before steadying to trail at the 1200m, travelled comfortably, angled out to see daylight two off the rail on straightening and he had the measure of his rivals when Bosson asked him to extend over the final furlong.

He was strong at the line and keeps alive his nomination for the $500,000 Al Basti 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) on 10 November at Riccarton.

On footing upgraded to Good3 before the first race, Publicist ran the mile in 1:37.7, last 600m in 37.1.

“It was a nice win, aided by a lovely ride,” said trainer Jamie Richards. “Opie put him in a gun spot, got him out at the top of the straight and he quickened nicely and was cuddled up late.

“He an improving horse that has taken a bit of time, but getting there slowly, and we'll let the dust settle for a few days before making plans. Whether he's mature enough for a 2000 Guineas remains to be seen, but it was a nice win and I'm pleased for the owners in the colts' syndicate.”

Purchased for $560,000 by David Ellis at the 2017 Gold Coast Yearling Sale, from the draft of Highgrove Stud, for the Te Akau 2017 Breeding Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM).

By the undisputed king of Australian sires Redoute's Choice, son of the most successful sire of all time in Danehill (Danzig), his dam sire, Woodman (Mr. Prospector), who left 109 stakes winners, has also left more than one-hundred stakes winners as a broodmare sire.

“It was a big help having the best jockey in the race and what an amazing job Opie (Bosson) has done to shed weight and ride at 56-kilos,” Ellis said. “He deserves to get the winners with the sacrifices that he's made. He's such a great asset, and also credit to the club because the track looks good.

“This horse is improving all the time and he'll continue to as he gets stronger and more mature. He's from a very good stakes producing mare that has now left eight individual winners of over 25 races and it's a terrific pedigree.

“It shows what a fantastic job Paul Richards has done with the team down South. They're all racing well and Jamie is picking out the right races for each horse, so the whole team is doing well.

“That was Jamie's 26^th win this season, at an amazing strike rate of 3.6, which is an unbelievable achievement.”

Previous breeding syndicates have unearthed stallions Darci Brahma (Danehill), Rock ‘N' Pop (Fastnet Rock), Burgundy (Redoute's Choice), Xtravagant (Pentire), Age of Fire (Fastnet Rock), Embellish (Savabeel) and Heroic Valour (Fastnet Rock).

Publicist was strapped by Mason Stevens.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.net.nz