Yaldi (inside) winning the Kingmakers Become A Principal Owner at Ellerslie. Photo / Race Images
Talented galloper Yaldi made an emphatic return to the winner’s podium when he stormed home to claim the open sprint at Ellerslie yesterday, the Kingmakers Become A Principal Owner (1300m).
The addition of visor blinkers to the gear worn by the 4-year-old son of Ardrossan combined with a nicely judged ride from Matt Cartwright proved important components in the victory, as the pair bided their time towards the rear of the field before angling widest into the home straight.
Yaldi accelerated powerfully when asked to go and swept to the front at the 200m before holding out the late runs of Pokuru Gold and Lachie, who both closed off nicely to secure the minor placings.
Trainer Andrew Forsman was not sure if the new gear had been the only reason for the improved performance by the enigmatic customer but was relieved to see him back to winning form.
“It feels like a fair while [since his last win], so it’s great to get the job done,” Forsman said.
“It was a great ride by Matt, as he’s not an easy ride, as you have to have everything go right for you.
“It was a muddling run race, but he got on to the back of the right horses and got the job done.
“There was a little bit of a gear change with the visor blinkers on for the first time, but whether that made a big difference, I’m not sure, as he’s a quirky horse.”
Cartwright reiterated the thoughts of Forsman regarding the nature of his mount.
“This horse has got more tricks than a magician, to be fair,” Cartwright said.
“He enjoyed a nice run and I followed the right horse but I hit the front way too soon and he tried to throw it away by laying in.
“I do hope he takes a lot of confidence from this, as he has good ability, and if he decides to work it all out, he’s definitely black-type material.”
Bred by Brown Thoroughbreds, Yaldi races in the colours of co-owner Lib Petagna’s JML Bloodstock, who purchased him out of Little Avondale Stud’s draft for just $50,000 at Karaka 2023 with the assistance of bloodstock agent Bruce Perry.
He comes from the family of stakes winner Hammer Down and the brilliant filly Plume, who numbered the 1990 Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) among her 12 race victories.
Yaldi has now won three of his 24 starts, including the Group 2 Auckland Guineas (1400m), and more than $400,000 in prizemoney.
– LOVERACING.NZ News Desk