Promising juvenile Engine Of War has joined the growing Australasian stable of international micro-share syndicator MyRacehorse.
Willydoit winning the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) in the colours of MyRacehorse. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images)
The son of Circus Maximus was purchased after finishing third at the first time of asking for Cambridge trainer Andrew Forsman.
“We bought him about a week and a-half ago and he had a couple of private jump-outs that we really liked and loved him on debut at Waverley,” said Ben Willis, MyRacehorse’s Australasian Managing Director.
“We were going to run him in that 1400m two-year-old stakes race (Listed Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre Stakes, 1400m) last Saturday, but decided to scratch.
“I know Andrew has a really good opinion of the horse and he was great to work with.”
Circus Maximus (IRE) is the sire of Engine of War.
Engine Of War will be raced by the company with the youngster’s new Victorian trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr.
“We’re going to transfer him over to Australia as soon as possible to have a crack at the spring carnival,” Willis said.
“Andrew Williams does a lot of our bloodstock work in New Zealand, he had spotted him and after his debut run, we really liked what we saw and got involved.
“The form has been pretty strong out of that race and the horse that ran third (Spandeedo) has come out and won quite convincingly.
“The winner Belzoni will be running at Trentham on Saturday, so we’ll be interested to see how he goes.”
Off the back of their flagship Group One winner Willydoit, MyRacehorse is keen to build its New Zealand profile.
“Willydoit was, and still is, a huge success for us and we’ve had a fair bit of luck out of New Zealand,” Willis said.
A son of Tarzino, Willydoit romped to victory in the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) for trainers Shaun and Emma Clotworthy, who race the three-year-old with Bryan Black and MyRacehorse.
He subsequently finished fourth in the Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m) and has remained across the Tasman with his future career to be guided by Ciaron Maher.
“He’s currently spelling in Queensland, there’s not a lot of sun anywhere in Australia so he’s probably in the best climate,” Willis said.
“He’s really settled in well and thriving and he’ll have another three or four weeks in the paddock.
“He’ll come back and target the spring, what he goes for yet is still to be confirmed and we’ll have a chat with the stable and see what they’re thinking.”
Plans are now afoot for MyRacehorse to ramp up hype up its involvement here.
“We went over there a few times for the Avondale Guineas and the New Zealand Derby and the general warmth and acceptance of the New Zealand industry of our brand has been really positive, so we’re really excited about doing more over there,” Willis said.
“It’s definitely an industry that we are looking to invest more and more into and the way you guys breed horses, educate and prep them, especially when they get out over a bit of ground, is a huge advantage.
“We bought a Contributor colt out of Sharp Proposition at Karaka this year with Shaun and Emma, and he’s staying in New Zealand.
“We’re starting to look at how we can expand the company and have a permanent base so we can buy more horses in New Zealand and continue to keep them there to race.
“We will be looking for more trainers, owners and partners very shortly.” – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk
