Triple Treat NZ Saturday - Win No.1 Navalha

Given a top ride by Opie Bosson, Navalha (5 g Sebring - Afiado, by Encosta De Lago) won the $30,000 Rating 65 1200 metres on Saturday at Riccarton.

After running home strongly for third when resuming in the Rating 65 1300 metres on 24 August at Taupo, won by stable-mate Outfit (Tivaci), Navalha was ideally placed to rate an each-way chance and showed appreciation for the course at his first attempt.

After trailing near the rail, Bosson angled Navalha into daylight on straightening at the 400m and he went on to score dominantly.

In the race sponsored by NZB Ready To Run Sale Trainers' Series, Navalha ran 1200 metres in 1:10.9 on Soft6 footing and drifted in betting to pay $3.40 & $1.40 on the NZ TAB tote.

A day earlier at Taupo, Bosson notched a couple of winners including an important and impressive debut victory on sale topping filly Stella Splendida (Zoustar).

“It was a very good ride and great win by Navalha,” said trainer Mark Walker. “He's a horse that's had niggling issues with feet and different things, but good to get another win and it won't be his last now that he's striding out nicely.”

Owned by Fortuna Navalha Syndicate (Mgr: John Galvin), Navalha registered a fourth among three starts in N.S.W., before Galvin purchased him from an Inglis Online Auction, and his first two starts resulted in consecutive wins over 1200 metres at Matamata.

Initially a $475,000 yearling purchase by James Harron Bloodstock at the 2019 Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Navalha was picked up by Galvin for $27,500.

“Clearly the market liked the horse,” Galvin said. “I mean, he's by Sebring, out of an Encosta de Lago mare, so he had a lot going for him in breeding and physically, and there was nothing wrong with his races or trials over there (Australia) either.

“He won his first two races when he came to New Zealand, but became unsound and had a long period away from the track.

“He raced well last season without winning, so it's good to see him back in the winner's circle again.”

Navalha was strapped by Hannah Lowry.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz