Tauranga Treble - Fierce Flight Takes Off
Date: 14 Jan 2023
Given a perfectly judged ride by Opie Bosson, Fierce Flight (4 g Flying Artie - First Bloom, by Dylan Thomas made it three wins from his last four starts in the $30,000 Rating 75 2100 metres on 13 January at Tauranga.
A course/distance winner in October, Fierce Flight also did well for sixth on rain-affected Heavy9 footing when resuming in the Rating 65 1600 metres on 9 December at Tauranga, and came from last to win the Rating 65 2000 metres on 23 December at Matamata.
Following his previous win, trainer Mark Walker said: “He's a horse that has certainly continued to get stronger. Dave (Ellis) didn't pay huge money for him out of the Ready to Run Sale, and he's really coming of age.â€
While a strong pace ensued up front, Bosson remained pat of Fierce Flight among the rear group, not moving until the 600m, and proved too strong after sweeping up widest turning in.
It was a good effort to beat second placed race favourite Youledo (Fabulous), who previously finished runner-up in the Dunstan Feeds Stayers Championship Qualifier on Boxing Day at Pukekohe.
“It was a great win today and he's certainly a horse that is full of confidence,†said Walker, who earlier on the programme recorded wins 99 and 100 for the season.
“It was a lovely ride by Opie, getting him out into the better ground, and he's really coming into his own this season.
“He wasn't an expensive horse, but rather a cheaper horse at the Ready to Run Sale that Dave (Ellis) spied, and I think he'll have a really good season next year as well, when he'll be that bit stronger again.â€
Continuing in the same vein, Walker suggested a race he could target is the $80,000 New Zealand St Leger (Listed, 2600m) on New Zealand Oaks Day (18 March) at Trentham.
Assisted by footing that upgraded to Heavy8, in the race sponsored by Ray White Papamoa, Fierce Flight ran 2100 metres in 2:13.1 and paid handsomely ($9.10 & $2.40) on the NZ TAB tote.
A tall athletic individual, Fierce Flight was a later foal, born in November, but was a straightforward horse that did everything right in his breeze-up and is out of a mare by a proven dam-sire Dylan Thomas (Danehill).
Now the winner of four from 12, and showing signs of making it in Open Handicap staying events, Fierce Flight was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $45,000 at the 2020 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale, from the draft of Kilgravin Lodge, and is owned by Te Akau Out of Bounds Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn-Fenton Ellis MNZM).
“He looked the type when we bought him that would get over ground, so it's pleasing to see him doing it,†Ellis said.
“There is nothing like a good staying horse that races in the style that he does and finishes his races off strongly.
“He's still a bit rakish, but really improved this season and no reason why he won't measure up to better staying horses as he matures.â€
Fierce Flight was strapped by Sarah West.
Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz
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