News In Brief
Arturo landed a soft debut victory at Wanganui on Friday Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images)
Guineas target for Arturo
Trainer Roydon Bergerson couldn’t hide his enthusiasm following the debut victory of three-year-old gelding Arturo at Wanganui on Friday.
The son of Per Incanto sat outside of race leader Divine Wine for much of the 1200m contest before extending for a soft victory in the hands of Johnathan Parkes.
“There is a lot of improvement in him,” Bergerson said.
“He was probably ready to go to the trials and not the races, but it was a small field so we threw him in. He will just improve massively. He is a really nice horse and he has got a big future.”
Raced by John Norwood and Chris Rutten, Arturo failed to meet his reserve at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale, but had shown good ability at the trials and was duly sent out a $2.10 favourite.
“We will probably have another run and then look at the Wellington Guineas (Gr.2, 1400m) with him,” Bergerson said.
“He has got the ability. He is untapped really. He has got a great brain and he looks after himself.
“He galloped with Beefeater the other day and got him off the bridle. For a maiden galloper to get a good horse like that off the bridle in trackwork, not many horses do that.”
Elleegant to resume for third trainer
Former New Zealand-trained filly Verry Elleegant will resume on Saturday in the Gr.3 The TAB Vanity (1400m) for new trainer Chris Waller.
The winner of two of her three New Zealand starts for trainer Nick Bishara, Verry Elleegant went on to win the Gr.3 Ethereal Stakes (2000m) and was placed in the Gr.2 Edward Manifold Stakes (1600m) for recently disqualified trainer Darren Weir.
“She has settled in well since joining the stable, she did have a solid gallop on Monday morning and worked very well,” Waller said.
“Obviously the draw (11) makes things tough tomorrow with the anticipated slow speed but the key will be to get her to switch off and settle and hopefully we are within striking distance turning for home.
“She is a filly that we will be looking forward to racing in some big races for the three year old fillies through the autumn.”
