Winning Matamata Double - Win 2

The second of Te Akau trainer Jason Bridgman's Matamata winners was Maestro (4g Encosta de Lago - Miss Scarlatti) who orchestrated a top effort today to break his maiden in the Waikato Branch of the NZ Farriers Association 1400m Maiden for his owners, the Te Akau
Cups' Syndicate managed by David Ellis.

The toughness displayed in proving difficult to load was put to good use in the home straight as he pulled away from the field to finish on a winning note.

As an apprentice-only race, trainer Jason Bridgman was keen to support up and coming young talent by putting apprentice Lee Magorrian in the saddle. A 2kg weight relief and the drop back to 1400m from the ace draw on his home track proved a winning composition.

After the race, trainer Jason Bridgman displayed his gratitude for the patience of the owners, commenting:

“Full credit to them for their patience as he has been very trying at times. We had him ready to win last season when he was injured in a paddock accident and required a good deal of time off. I'm pleased he has rewarded their patience.

“It feels terrific to get the monkey off his back. He has been knocking on the door for some time and I feel this was a dominant win. He still has a lot of improvement to come as he does get himself worked up before the race. I hope we can make some headway in that regard and work him through the grades. I look forward to seeing how he progresses.”

Punters did not miss the strength of his form as he was sent off as favourite. After jumping fairly from the inside barrier, Lee Magorrian let him find his feet in the running before producing him for a winning sprint.

By champion sire Encosta de Lago from the stakes-winning Stravinsky mare Miss Scarlatti, Maestro was a $180,000 purchase by David Ellis out of the 2012 NZB Premier Yearling Sale and boasts Crimson as his grand dam. Miss Scarlatti won the listed UCI Stakes over 1800m and was runner up in the 2008 Crown Oaks to Samantha Miss at Flemington.

Maestro is one of two horses comprising the Te Akau Cups' Syndicate managed by David Ellis - the other being the very talented Chambord who is on the recovery road from injury.  The runner up in the Group 1 NZ 2000 Guineas, Chambord was the favourite for the Group 2 Coupland's Mile in November - tragically he sustained an industry just prior to flying out to Christchurch.  The good news is - he is well on the recovery road!

Picture credit - www.raceimages.co.nz