The unbeaten Hasselhoof is in line for an
appearance at the Melbourne spring carnival after extending his perfect record
on his home track at Ruakaka.
The exciting son of Tavistock took his winning sequence to three with victory
in the New Zealand Bloodstock Insurance 1600 on Saturday.
Hasselhoof will step up to 2000 metres at Ruakaka in a fortnight's time and a
continuation of his form will confirm plans for a trip to Australia.
"If it looks like he can stay then there's a 2400 metre race for him at
Caulfield on Underwood Stakes day on the 26th of September," said
Donna Logan, who trains the four-year-old with Chris Gibbs.
The horse's first two winning runs drew serious buyer interest from overseas
and to fend off million dollar approaches his part-owner Logan brought together
a high-profile trio to buy into the ownership to ensure he remained in New
Zealand.
Hasselhoof's co-breeder Sir Peter Vela, Sir Patrick Hogan and the Dowager
Duchess of Bedford have joined original owners Logan, Garry Cossey, Blair
Alexander and the estate of the late Bill Woods.
"I never feel pressure, but today I was a bit on edge," Logan said. "He's got
new owners and their expectations are high so I'm glad it's over."
Hasselhoof raced in fifth spot off the fence before he was driven to the front
200 metres from home by regular rider Matt Cameron.
El Pescado emerged as the only threat but Hasselhoof found another kick and was
going away again at the post to win by a length and a half. – NZ
Racing Desk.