Wowee Wolfie

On the same day that his dam, Legs (Pins), took out the $1 million Kelt Capital Stakes (Gr. 1, 2040m) in 2006, Wolfwhistle, a four-year-old entire by O'Reilly (Last Tycoon) came good in the Trinity Hill Homage Handicap on Saturday Oct. 4 at Hastings.

Stepping to 2000 metres for the first time, trainer Jason Bridgman wanted Wolfwhistle to be handled patiently and jockey Matt Cameron obliged with a very good ride.

“We wanted him to relax and do everything right in his first start over ground, and it was a huge effort to come from that far back,” said Bridgman.

Easy through the early stages, and tenth at the post with a lap to run, Wolfwhistle settled into a nice rhythm. Travelling sweetly passing the 1000 metres and tracking up with plenty to offer at the 600m, he loped to the lead a furlong out and displayed a good action in gaining a neck victory over his rival. There were five and a half lengths to third.

On Good3 footing, Wolfwhistle covered the 2000 metres in 2:02.5 and paid $4.30 & $2.00 on the NZ TAB.

“Having now won his first run over a ground, it is very encouraging,” said Bridgman.

A gentleman without malice, Wolfwhistle has remained intact as a colt and appears to have cemented his future as a middle distance performer given the manner of his victory.

Depending on rating points gained from the victory, Bridgman is considering a trip south with Wolfwhistle to contest the Spring Classic (Listed, 2000m), a race he won last year with Viana (Volksraad), on Oct. 25 at Riccarton.

Jockey Matt Cameron said: “He hadn't raced since the first day here (Aug. 30), so it was good to get into that rhythm. After getting some cover from the 800m to around the 500m, I opted to come out without moving on him. He kicked away and although getting a bit tired the last bit but he stuck on nicely.

“He's bred to be anything, finally come of age and to still be a colt, doing what he's doing, he's pretty honest and the O'Reilly's keep getting better with age,” said Cameron.

Legs (Pins - River Century, by Centaine), was Joint top filly on the 2005-06 NZ 3YO Free Handicaps. She recorded Group One wins in the New Zealand Oaks (2400m) and Kelt Capital Stakes (2040m), also won the Eulogy Stakes (Gr. 3, 1600m) and finished second in the Desert Gold Stakes (Gr. 3, 1600m) in a career of five wins from twelve starts, and stakes of $875,428.

Purchased by Te Akau principal David Ellis for $240,000 at the 2012 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale, from the draft of Waikato Stud, Wolfwhistle has now won three of his nine starts for the Te Akau Wolfwhistle Syndicate (Mgr: D. C. Ellis).

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz