Both LA stallions have carried on their red-hot Xmas form into the New Year, as the better tracks, and increased distances in the case of Time Test, have seen an array of winners become something of an avalanche, from the deep south to the sun drenched north.
Per Incanto had two winners and a second placing on the Ruakaka card on Friday, a meeting which also saw Time Test supply a winner, something the son of Dubawi also managed at Hastings on Saturday when an impressive three-year-old from the Lowry and Zydenbos stable showcased his NZ Derby credentials.
The LA and Ricky Savory bred Freewheelin looked well named when he did exactly that from the start of his Rating 65 1400m assignment at Ruakaka. Trained by Ralph Manning for his family and S.Harris, the four-year-old son of Per Incanto cruised in by four lengths, recording his second win in 12 career starts, which have also realised 4 minor placings.
Later on the Northland card, the Stephen Cole trained filly Per La Vita landed the maiden 3YO event, also over 1400m. The Per Incanto filly is owned by Sheryll Cole and Cherie Hope.
Although narrowly beaten, Morning Star produced arguably the superior run of the Per Incanto runners at Ruakaka. The LA bred mare, who is trained by Jenna Mahoney for SM, M and SC Murray, attacked the line impressively to be beaten narrowly in the maiden 1200m and the winning time was significantly faster than the other 1200m contest on the card.
Time Test filly Tide And Time overcame a horror draw to score a well-deserved maiden success. The Ken Rae and Krystal Williams trained filly was one of 12 winners in 19 days for Time Test.
NZ Derby nominated Testwin (Time Test-Edwina by Don Eduardo) justified strong support to score nicely on debut at Hastings. The big son of Time Test, who is bred and owned by Tom Lowry, won like a horse who will have taken plenty from the experience and being a half-brother to top jumper Nedwin, he has the pedigree to get out further in trip than the 1600m of Saturday’s race.
LA’s focus for the rest of the week shifts to the Gold Coast where the farm has two yearlings in the Magic Millions Sale. Both LA lots go under the hammer on Thursday with LOT 505, the Anders filly, set to sell at around 2.40pm NZ time while at approximately 5.30pm, LOT 688, the standout Per Incanto full brother to Group 1 winner Bonham goes through the ring.
