Exciting
young stayer Maygrove (Authorized) achieved an impressive first stakes victory
in the $200,000 Group 2 Platinum Homes Wellington Cup (2400m) at Trentham
yesterday.
From the stable of Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman, Maygrove has
produced five wins from his 20 starts. The four-year-old gelding has had a
stellar season, placing in seven of his nine starts this campaign including
four wins with his last result running second in the Listed Gallagher Marton
Cup.
"He has been very impressive," commented Forsman. "Even when he raced in the
Derby he was a very immature horse and is still a bit immature now but he is
slowly getting there.
"He has always shown ability and we always thought he would be up to this
level, it was just a matter of waiting for him and letting him do it in his own
time. The key has been not rushing him and letting him come through the grades
and finding soft options for him on his way through."
Jockey Matthew Cameron rode Maygrove to victory after a steady start to the
race with the pair going forward from barrier five. Cameron and Maygrove sat
comfortably ahead of mid-field throughout the 2400m journey.
Challenging the rest of the field, Maygrove progressed forward and confidently
headed for home for a two-length victory. Powering along the outside was Perfect
Start (NZ) (Perfectly Ready) who took second place and She's Insatiable (NZ)
(Ustinov) finished in third position.
The son of Authorized earned $118,750 in yesterday's victory, increasing his
total stakes to $189,260 for Lib Patenga's JML Bloodstock Ltd & P W
O'Rourke.
"There are no immediate plans for him," said Forsman. "He will go to the
paddock for a couple of weeks now. There are no firm plans but the owners are
keen to have a go in Australia at some point.
"We are very lucky to have the backing of Lib (Patenga) and Bruce (Perry), it
is a big boost to us. Bruce buys very good horses, he does his homework and he
is a good judge so you are a very good chance when you get one of their horses
into the stable."
Maygrove was purchased by Bruce Perry Bloodstock for $110,000 at the 2012
Karaka Select Yearling Sale from Haunui Farm. Haunui Farm has 13
horses catalogued in this year's Karaka Premier Sale which commences tomorrow.
Bred by Laurel Oak Lady
Zhivago Syndicate, Maygrove is out of winning Zabeel mare Lady Zhivago
(Zabeel), who is a three-quarter-sister to stakes winner Zaza (Zabeel), winner
of the Listed South Island Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes.