Kiwi Stayer Headed to Melbourne

Media Release - Tuesday October 8

In form gelding Wolfgang has secured a plane ticket across the Tasman this week to tackle Saturday’s Gr.2 Herbert Power Stakes (2400m) at Caulfield.

The six-year-old son of Puccini has been faultless this preparation, winning both of his starts, including downing Australian raider Rolls at Matamata last week.

Wolfgang winning at Matamata last week.  Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images)

“He was second-up over 2000m and he attacked the line really well. I am very happy,” said Peter McKay, who trains the gelding with his son Shaun.

The Matamata conditioners were weighing up making a late nomination for the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) at Te Rapa on Saturday but have opted to head to Australia with the gelding instead.

“We are looking to try and get him on a plane this week to race on Saturday at Caulfield in the Herbert Power,” McKay said.

“I worked out it’s about $13,000 (to go to the Livamol) by the time you pay the late nomination and acceptances, and with the weather watch as well, I am not sure what Te Rapa is going to be like.

“It also didn’t work right with the weight-for-age, where it is going to be a handicap over there.”

It may be a hit-and-run mission with Wolfgang this week, however, McKay said they may press on with their charge in Australia if he performs up to expectations.

“If he can run in the first four or five I will be pretty happy, and we will know where he is at,” he said.

Advertisement

“If he went really well, we may look further ahead, but otherwise he will come home again.”

McKay also has a plan b in place if something goes untoward or he doesn’t secure a run on Saturday.

“If something goes wrong between now and Saturday, I will probably throw a nomination in for the following Wednesday where there is a lesser grade race,” he said.

Wolfgang is by MacKay’s former Group One winner Puccini, and was bred by Mapperley Stud, who stood the stallion. He is raced by farm principal Simms Davision in partnership with McKay and his wife Kim after he failed to meet his $50,000 reserve at the 2020 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale.

McKay has been pleased with the way Wolfgang has continued to develop and believes he has finally come of age as a six-year-old.

“He is starting to look like one of the better ones (progeny of Puccini),” McKay said. “He showed us a lot as a two-year-old, went a bit flat as a three-year-old, and we had a few foot problems off and on as a four-year-old. His record isn’t too bad, he has earned over $200,000 in stakes and he looks like he is coming of age now.”

McKay’s son, and training partner, Shaun will accompany Wolfgang on his Australian trip.

“It works out well,” McKay said. “He has spent a bit of time in Melbourne, so he knows the set-up there. It is easier for Kim and myself to stay at home and control what is happening here.” – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
Better Than Ready’s Metalart Wins Group 3 W J Healy Stakes
Improving off a third in the Listed Lightning Handicap at Eagle Farm recently, 4yo Better Than Ready gelding Metalart stepped up to 1200m to record his first black type success, winning the Group 3 W J Healy Stakes.
Almanzor Stayer wins G3 Tattersalls Cup
It's been a long time since the  2022 Victoria Derby and some may have wondered whether the winner Manzoice was ever going to win again!
No Fluke – How Good is Autumn Boy?
When Autumn Boy made a winning debut at 50-1 at Canterbury last month beating his high profile stablemate Central Coast, some may have wondered if there was an element of fluke about the win… there wasn’t.
Private Eye’s Half-Brother King’s Secret Wins Again
Although he may never reach the heights of his older half-brother Private Eye, a Group 1 winner and earner of more than $12m to date, connections of King’s Secret (Shalaa) are sure to have plenty of their own fun with the 3yo gelding winning at Rosehill on Saturday.
Red Right Out Wins MM Queensland Qualifier
The 2026 Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo & Showjumping will feature the third annual Queensland Off-The-Track Cup (QOTT) final on Sunday, 11 January 2026 at Doug Jennings Park on the Gold Coast. 
Vinery Stud Announce Adam White as Interim Manager
From the 1st of July, Vinery Stud is pleased to announce the appointment of Adam White as Interim General Manager, following the resignation of Peter Orton. A dedicated and long-standing member of the Vinery team, Adam brings a wealth of experience and an in-depth understanding of both the business and the industry to this pivotal role.
Corumbene Stud Homebred Tashi Wins G1 Tatts Tiara
From the last crop of foals sired by Widden Stud’s much missed Golden Slipper winning sire Sebring, five year-old mare Tashi may also be his final Group I winner as she produced a career best performance at Eagle Farm on Saturday to win the $700,000 Group I Tatts Tiara (1400m).
Cambridge Stud to Sell Entire Draft at Karaka 2026
Leading thoroughbred nursery Cambridge Stud have committed their full support for NZB’s 2026 National Yearling Sales Series, with the announcement they will be selling 100% of their yearling stock at Karaka. 
Aussie 2YO SW for Tivaci
New Zealand-bred colt Matahga stamped himself as an exciting spring three-year-old prospect with a hard-fought victory in the A$120,000 Listed David Peacock Oaklands Plate (1400m) at Morphettville on Saturday.
Super Seth 3YO Salutes for Baker
A tenacious front-running performance in Saturday’s A$160,000 Captivant @ Kia Ora Handicap (1400m) at Rosehill added a first city victory to Puntin’s burgeoning record.