Go Racing director Albert Bosma loves when a plan comes together, especially when it culminates in a top hat and tails.
The New Zealand thoroughbred syndicator will bring some Kiwi flavour to Royal Ascot this week, with the Joseph O’Brien-trained Etna Rosso set to carry their silks in Thursday’s Gr.2 Queen’s Vase (2800m).
“It is very exciting and the culmination of a plan we put in place last year,” Bosma said.
“Etna Rosso is a lightly raced but very good three-year-old stayer and should relish the distance and firm ground.
“He has only had two starts, so is still raw and green, but is untapped as a stayer and Joseph has been very happy with his work going into Royal Ascot.
“He is a horse we have big targets for later in the season, including the Group One English St Leger (2900m) in September and he is a potential Sydney and Melbourne Cups horse next year.”
Bosma is particularly excited for his New Zealand connections who will be trackside this week.
“We have a group of owners that have travelled up to Royal Ascot to watch him race and they are in the Royal Enclosure, so they will have the time of their lives,” Bosma said.
“If you love racing and own horses, it is a bucket list thing to do.”
Go Racing were set to have another runner at Royal Ascot later in the week, with Up And Under entered in the Gr.2 King Edward VII Stakes (2400m) on Friday, however, the decision has been made to aim him at other targets.
“While Up And Under is entered for Friday at Ascot, he won’t run,” Bosma said.
“The Irish Derby is worth €1.5 million and run just nine days later on the July 2nd at The Curragh, so he will go there instead.
“He is a very talented colt with a great turn of foot and does enjoy a bit of moisture in the track.
“While the ownership is made up of mainly New Zealanders, we have a few of the Irish Rugby Team involved too, so if he wins, the celebrations will be raucous.”
By LOVERACING.NZ News Desk
