Xtra By Name By Nature

The New Zealand Racing Desk reports:

The optimism behind the naming of Xtravagant was rewarded on debut and the rising three-year-old is now taking his first early steps toward a Group One spring target.

He delivered in fine style at the first time of asking with a runaway victory at Hastings in the autumn.

“Of our colts to race, he is certainly in our top brigade,” said Jamie Richards, who prepares Xtravagant with Stephen Autridge.

“Obviously we will be shooting for the stars with him and the 2000 Guineas at Riccarton is the logical place to go.

“He's had his first easy gallop and he'll be headed to the Te Teko trials and we'll make a plan from there. He'll probably have a run somewhere and then perhaps go to Hastings for the Guineas.

“He's coming up very well and he's an exciting colt.”

The stable wasn't surprised with Xtravagant's first-up performance following a patient preparation.

“He needed quite a bit of early education at the trials and we always rode him back and taught him to come through horses,” Richards said.

“When we took him to the races he jumped and led, got further in front and he ran time. He had a month off after that and he's coming up well again.”

A brother by Pentire to the Group One performer He's Remarkable, Xtravagant was purchased out of Rich Hill Stud's draft at Karaka last year by David Ellis for $375,000.

“He was on the must have list and he's continued to develop since then,” Richards said.