The Panther Pounces

Given a perfect trip by Opie Bosson, The Panther (3 g Iffraaj - La Panthere, by Generous) delivered in the $10,000 Maiden 1100 metres on Saturday at Otaki.

Given time (59 days) by trainer Jamie Richards after finishing sixth on debut in December at Taupo, The Panther had won well at the trials on 16 February at Cambridge.

Ideally drawn in barrier one, Bosson had The Panther travelling well in third, presented to lead at the 200m before drawing clear and although pricking his ears and shying at the winning post he got the job done without any real concerns.

In the race sponsored by Scaff on Demand, The Panther ran the 1100 metres in 1:04.9 and as race favourite he returned $3.10 & $1.20.

“He's a horse we've always had an opinion of but he's had a few little issues with his breathing,” Richards said. “We may have to give him a small operation to improve the situation.

“He's done a good job to get the win at his second start and is probably going to benefit with a bit more time. Opie (Bosson) gave him a lovely soft trip and he quickened past them pretty well.

“The team at the Racecourse barn presented him at the races in great order. He's always been a horse that's shown a fair bit of speed and ability, and hopefully, in time, we can see him work through the grades.”

Owned by the Te Akau Fiery Red Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), he was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $60,000, from the Wentwood Grange draft, at the 2019 Karaka Book 1 Sale.

The Panther is bred on the same cross as Gingernuts - by Iffraaj, out of a Generous mare - trained by Te Akau to win the NZ Derby (Gr. 1, 2400m), Rosehill Guineas (Gr. 1, 2000m), and Windsor Park Plate (Gr. 1, 1600m). Iffraaj (Zafonic) is also the dam-sire of stable star and dual Horse of the Year Melody Belle (Commands), winner of 13 Group One races and history-maker when winning the Hawkes Bay Triple Crown.

The Panther was strapped by Trevor Stewart.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz