Ardrossan ends New Zealand campaign in fine style
NEW Zealand racing is set to lose another talented star to Australia after remaining unbeaten from two race day starts to date.
Ardrossan signed off from racing in New Zealand with a win in the Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre Stakes at Te Rapa on Saturday and it will soon be transferred to the Mick Price stables in Melbourne.
Trained by Stephen Marsh in New Zealand, the slick speedster was taken on in front by Santuzza, but the class kicked in and it pulled away for a stylish victory.
“I’m not sure what was going on there and it did have me worried for a while, but in the end it hasn’t worried him,” Marsh said.
“I guess it just says a lot about the horse. He’s shown us a lot for a long time and there’s no doubt about it, he’s a class act.”
The $1.60 shot at CrownBet.com.au is by superstar stallion Redoute’s Choice and it was always the plan to send the colt to Australia in the hopes of it developing into a stallion prospect.
“He’s still a colt and he’s got a massive future,” Marsh said. “He’s going to be a lovely three-year-old and he’ll head to Caulfield now to join Mick Price.
“I begged them to keep him here because I know he’s got that x-factor, but the right place for him is Australia.
“It’s great to have been part of it all with him.”
It will fly out to Melbourne next week where Mick Price will likely set out a Coolmore Stakes campaign for the two-year-old.
“He’s booked to go over on Wednesday and will be spelled before getting ready for spring racing,” Waikato Stud’s Mark Chittick said.
“So far so good, and the ultimate target will be the Coolmore Stakes, the group one three-year-old sprint during Melbourne Cup week.”