Two-year-old Incandescent put himself in the frame for the rich TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) in late January with a comprehensive victory in the opening event at Ellerslie on Saturday, the Independent Traffic Control (1100m).
With the final field of 14 for the $1million two-year-old feature determined by prizemoney won, the $17,250 first place cheque puts the showy son of Per Incanto into ninth place on the current qualifying table which is headed up by the Melbourne-based filly Torture.
Ridden patiently by Masa Hashizume, Incandescent was allowed time to find his feet as he settled second last in the field of six before moving into contention approaching the home turn.
Taken to the middle of the track in the run to the winning post, the Roger James and Robert Wellwood-prepared gelding wound up powerfully to swoop on the trio of She’s No Saint, Enchantment and First Light at the 200m and burst clear for an impressive two-length victory.
James was delighted with the victory for a horse he believes will learn a lot from the experience, although whether he will take his place in the Karaka Millions 2YO is still to be decided.
“It was a good effort as through the middle stages he was a good way off them and looked like he didn’t know what he was there for,” James said.
“To be able to round them up like he did over 1100m is a good effort.
“Personally, and I voiced this opinion to the owners yesterday, I think he is more of a 1400m to 1600m three-year-old.
“To do this is a bonus, so we might have to rethink our programme.”
Hashizume was quick to point out some of the issues his mount overcame to secure the win.
“He jumped well but didn’t have a lot of speed and at this distance you jump and corner straight away,” he said.
“It was the first time for him going right-handed so he didn’t really corner properly and was on the wrong leg, so I had to pull the inside rein to get around.
“He travelled comfortably, but I didn’t expect him to go whoosh in the straight, so it was a good effort first time to the races.
“He passed them easily and although he waited for the other horse, he is going to improve from today and has a very good future.
Despite not a certain starter in the Karaka Millions 2YO, TAB Bookmakers are taking no chances as they reduced him from $17 to the $6 Fixed Odds second favourite for the race that will be held at Ellerslie on the evening of 24 January.
Purchased by the TAB Racing Club for $200,000 out of the Little Avondale Stud draft during Book 1 at Karaka earlier this year, Incandescent is now owned by the MyRacehorse No.1 syndicate, who had a large group on-course to celebrate their triumph. - LOVERACING.NZ NZ News Desk
