Return to Ruakaka

A midweek spin around Taupo last week has All Decked Out (NZ) (Darci Brahma) on track for an imminent return to racing.

Trained by Te Akau trainer Jason Bridgman for The Oaks Stud, the well-bred colt came through a solid hit-out well last Thursday morning to confirm plans for him to resume at Ruakaka on Saturday.

“He had a work mate and galloped away and he was very impressive when he flattened out,” racing manager Rick Williams said.

“We took him there because of the better surface and to see how he handled the tight bends. He'll run in a Benchmark 65 to kick him off and hopefully everything is sweet with him now.”

A son of Darci Brahma out of a three-quarter sister to Lonhro, All Decked Out's three-year-old progress has been hindered by a variety of issues, including an epiglottic entrapment, a foot abscess and immaturity.

“There's no doubt he's a Group One horse and he's a lovely, kind colt,” Williams said. “We'll work him through the grades and hopefully up to Group class.”

All Decked Out won his only start as a two-year-old at Ruakaka a year ago before he finished third behind El Roca (Fastnet Rock) in the Listed Westbury Stud Challenge Stakes.  He was the overall winner of the 2013 Triple Crown Point Series for 2YOs at Ruakaka.

He followed that with a runner-up finish in the Gr.2 Hawke's Bay Guineas where he was beaten a whisker but his Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas was derailed after he felt a hard track at Riccarton when unplaced in the Listed Holloway Stakes.

His return from another break was brief and he was turned out again after failing to fire in the Gr.2 Great Northern Guineas on Boxing Day.  Patiently handled with his various issues, it will be great to see him back on track.  With stable rider Matt Cameron overseas on a brief holiday, returning rider Leith Innes will be in the saddle.

Credit - excerpts from NZ Racing Desk