Hong Kong interest in precocious Marsh galloper
CAMBRIDGE trainer Stephen Marsh is prepared to have one less exciting galloper in his stable after Thursday’s Avondale meeting.
Seduttore, a three-year-old son of Nicconi who created a big impression when winning his debut on the Avondale track earlier this month.
The horse had shown improvement in each of its three trials and on the strength of a debut win it has been scouted by bloodstock agents.
“If he wins again I’d say he could end up in Hong Kong,” Marsh said.
“He’s a smart horse and he’s always shown plenty.”
Seduttore holds a nomination for the Group One Levin Classic at Trentham on January 13, such is the high opinion Marsh has held.
Seduttore was bred by Lindsay de Souza, who has enjoyed much success as an owner with the horse’s racing interests in New Zealand, including the multiple group one winner Turn Me Loose.
The horse was bought for $60,000 from last year’s Select Yearling Sale at Karaka by Chris Rutten and originally prepared by Johno Benner and Hollie Wynyard, but hadn’t trialled when it arrived at Marsh’s stable to be syndicated.
Seduttore showed immediate talent for Marsh when second in its first trial behind the talented Sacred Rebel and was then considered a likely contender for the Group Two Hawke’s Bay Guineas, but a dislike for wet tracks prevented the horse from being ready for the feature.
Seduttore was also placed in his next trial, at Ruakaka last month, then won at the Cambridge trials last month before making his successful raceday debut.
Marsh was impressed by Seduttore’s debut win, particularly the way the horse knuckled down and kicked back when headed near the finish.
“He’s only going to get better and better,” he said.
The Cambridge trainer is no stranger to losing exciting young gallopers to overseas interests.
Just last month Sumstreetsumwhere was sold to Hong Kong when one of the leading candidates for the Group One NZ 2000 Guineas at Riccarton after winning the Group Two James and Annie Sarten Memorial Stakes at Te Rapa.
Marsh will also be represented by a rival for Seduttore at Avondale in the Friends Of Football 1200 with Scarlet’s Secret attempting to turn its form around after two unplaced runs this campaign. The horse showed promise last year when winning a sprint double.
Marsh’s other prospects at Avondale include the Smart Missile filly Amanjena, who finished a creditable sixth on debut last July behind the smart Getty after being slow away then hampered midway through the race.
“It was a good effort that day,” Marsh said.
“I like her.”