While Te Akau prepares a four-pronged attack for the upcoming TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) on Saturday, another promising juvenile out of the Matamata stable impressed in his maiden victory on Wednesday.
A son of Snitzel, Unbridled Joy was beaten on debut only by stablemate and Karaka Millions accepter When Stars Align, and started a firm $1.90 favourite to go one better in the Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series (1200m).
The striking juvenile jumped boldly from barrier four but was eased by jockey Vinnie Colgan back to third-last, as debutant Osteria strode forward to lead inside of Debbi Harri. Remaining near the tail rounding the home turn, Colgan reverted to the outside and released Unbridled Joy at the 150m, the colt rocketing past Lavender Haze and Lotus to score by an extending three-quarters of a length.
“I tried to teach him something, by settling in behind them, and he did everything right,” Colgan said.
“He’s a nice colt, showed plenty of stretch to get them, and got a nice future.
Unbridled Joy’s triumph provided a 99th win for the season for trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson, the colt purchased by Te Akau principal David Ellis at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale out of Gerry Harvey’s Baramul Stud.
Walker indicated Unbridled Joy will now be set for the Gr.3 Fairview Motors Matamata Slipper (1200m) in a months’ time.
“He’s a colt with a good future and Gerry retained a share in him as well, so good for him too,” Walker said.
Earlier on their local card, Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson prepared another maiden victor in Inspired By Art, the filly saluting in similar fashion in the Matamata Function Centre 1600.
Stepping up to the mile on Wednesday, Inspired By Art started the $2.50 race-favourite having recorded two runner-up finishes from two starts, the first of these behind subsequent Gr.3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) contender Vera Rose.
In a catch-ride for Wiremu Pinn, the daughter of So You Think was slow away from the gates and settled well-back in the 13-horse field. Patiently ridden into the straight some eight lengths off the leaders, Pinn opted to switch across heels to gain clear running aboard the three-year-old, and once she found clear air, Inspired By Art showed an explosive lengthening of stride to catch Let it Ride, the eventual margin a long neck.
“She switched off and relaxed nicely,” Pinn said.
“I got back a bit further than intended, but she showed a really good turn of foot. She conserved energy well and had a big finish late, so it was a good effort.”
Pinn indicated the filly would appreciate a step-up over 2000m, which Walker suggested may come swiftly with the Gr.2 David and Karyn Ellis Fillies Classic on February 10 at Te Rapa.
“She’s a filly we’ve always had a lot of time for,” Walker said.
“She’s just starting to mature now, so we’ll chase black type with her now that she’s cleared maidens. We think she’ll just eat up the 2000m.”
Inspired By Art was a $130,000 purchase by Geoff and Jenetta Taylor and Gordon Calder, while Janine Dunlop of Phoenix Park retained a share after preparing her for the Karaka Book 1 Sale.
The filly also holds nominations for the Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) and Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m).