Trained by John Size and ridden by Joao Moreira, Thewizardofoz produced a
career best performance to win the 1400 metre contest by a commanding three and
a half lengths giving Size a new record (92 winners) for winners in a HK season."That was the real 'Wizard' today," said rider Joao Moreira, reflecting on what has been a checkered path for the five-year-old throughout his Hong Kong career.
"We knew he was very good from the early days, and unfortunately he hasn't been able to deliver the best of himself up until today. Today, we saw the best of him and I was very impressed and proud of him. I'm so lucky to have him as a ride, he's a very good horse."
Thewizardofoz looked a very promising horse in his early days, winning his first three starts as a three-year-old and earning the moniker of Champion Griffin in 2014/15.
At four, Thewizardofoz won twice over 1400m, including what was his most recent win until Sunday in the Class 1 Chinese New Year Cup Handicap in February 2016, but he was beaten as a hot favourite in the 2016 Hong Kong Classic Mile and failed to fire when well in the market in that year's Group I Chairman's Sprint Prize (1200m).
The disappointments continued upon his return at the start of this season as he only beat one home in his first-up run, the Group II Premier Bowl Handicap (1200m), pulling up with a number of issues that required a spell and leaving Size and Moreira with some work to do.
A strong tempo in this contest allowed Thewizardofoz to settle back in the
field and come with a strong finish which suited him admirably."They set up the pace quite nice for him," Moreira explained.
"It was genuine enough early which suited but they slowed it down around the 700m so I was close enough to be able to sprint strongly. When I pulled him to the outside he responded, even with the top weight he was just able to sprint past them. He has a brilliant turn of foot."
Bred by Evergreen Rich, Thewizardofoz has won six of 14 starts and is the best of two winners for Champion NZ 3YO Filly Princess Coup, a four-time Group I winning daughter of Encosta de Lago.
Princess Coup was bought for $3million at the 2009 Magic Millions Broodmare Sale by E Thoroughbred and has a Snitzel yearling filly and weanling filly by Thewizardofoz's sire Redoute's choice.
Thewizardofoz is the 148th stakes-winner for Arrowfield Stud's champion sire Redoute's Choice, who stands at $110,000 this spring.
