Wild Night on Show

Preparing for a fresh campaign, Group & Listed winner Wild Night (Vanbrugh) had an exhibition gallop between races on Saturday at Te Rapa.

Winner of the Group 2 James & Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m), Listed Uncle Remus Stakes (1400m), and placed in the Group 1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m), Wild Night won his first two starts last season, both over 1300 metres, and while unsuccessful contesting three Listed races in Australia, he returned home for a solid fourth in the Group 2 Japan Trophy (1600m).

Winning eight of his 20 starts for owners in the Te Akau Love to Party Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), and $550,995 in prize money, he was purchased as a yearling by David Ellis CNZM for $50,000 at the Karaka 2021 Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Windsor Park Stud.

With stable rider Opie Bosson ONZM aboard, who sits on 99 Group One wins heading into this season, Wild Night looked good in his gallop, with triple Group One winner Legarto (Proisir) as his partner.

“I was really pleased with his gallop, and Opie said he felt great,” said Sam Bergerson, training partner with Mark Walker.

“Obviously, he’s battled soundness issues throughout his career, but he’s coming back from a good, long, spell, and seems to be in good order.”

On 4 August at Taupo, Wild Night stepped out in a trial over 900 metres, where he was back last over the sprint trip, chasing genuine pace, nine lengths 600m, and remained back while running home fine in the straight.

“He was quite lazy in his Taupo trial, had a quiet time following that, and is building up with a bit more zest in his work now,” Bergerson said.

“It was a really good gallop on Saturday at Te Rapa, where he seems to perform really well, and we may look to kick him off there on Sunday 14 September in the $50,000 Open Handicap 1200 metres.

“He’s pulled up really well following the exhibition gallop and we’re looking forward to getting him back to the races.”

Photo credit - Kenton Wright - www.raceimages.co.nz