Highly Recommended 3YO Jamie delivered on his trainer's high expectations at Riccarton yesterday, winning at just his second raceday appearance by two lengths.
Training in partnership with
son Matthew, Michael Pitman has long had an opinion of the gelding.
"He's a very smart horse and has always shown us plenty at home," said Michael, who races the horse with Jim Bruford.
"I think he'll develop into a Group horse."
Bred by Berkley Stud's Edwina Morris and Alan Jones, Jamie will now be put aside before targeting some of Hastings premier racedays in September.
Like Jamie, the Pitman stable's other Highly Recommended flagbearer Pipiana also has some lofty targets ahead.
"Pipiana is a multiple stakes-placed filly and will target the Listed Pegasus Stakes and the Gr.3 Stewards Hcp at Riccarton," he said.
Clearly a fan of Highly Recommended's stock, Pitman purchased a filly ex Borntobeirish (O'Reilly) at the recent NZB South Island Yearling Sale, and was successful months earlier when venturing to Karaka's Book 2 Yearling Sale to purchase the sire's filly ex Elusive Rosie (Elusive City).
"Every horse I've had by Highly Recommended I've liked. They are a good size, have good temperaments and I think he has a real future ahead of him," said Pitman.
