Testwin makes strong Derby impression at Hastings
Impressive three-year-old debutant Testwin justified some solid support when he took out the opening event on the card at Hastings on Saturday.
The Guy Lowry and Leah Zydenbos-trained son of Time Test boasts an impressive physique and showed he has the ability to match as he put in some huge strides late in the piece to score impressively by half a length in the maiden 1600m contest.
Given a perfect run behind the pace by rider Jonathan Riddell, Testwin appreciated first use of a track rated as Soft7 before being downgraded during the day to finish a Heavy 10 after some persistent and heavy showers.
Trial watchers got an indication of his ability when he took out a 1200m heat at Foxton back in December, with Lowry keen on his chances on Saturday on his home track.
“He has shown us plenty and in all honesty we thought he could win based on his trial performance,” Lowry said.
“He has a massive stride and we were probably a little lucky to get first use of the track when it was definitely at its best.
“He really is a dead set stayer and the mile suited although he might struggle at that distance again in his prep as he just wants to go further.”
Lowry will keep that in mind as he attempts to get his charge to the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie on March 2.
“We have him on a Derby path and his next run will be at Wellington on the 27th of January at this stage,” he said.
“As long as he goes well we will then look at the Avondale Guineas (Group 2, 2100m) or the Wairoa Cup (2100m) before tackling the Derby.
“The Wairoa Cup might suit best as it is here at Hastings which means he doesn’t have to travel after a big trip to Wellington and then another to Auckland after that, which can be hard on a young horse.”