Owner-trainer duo Nikki and Barrie Blatch are eyeing black type with their $4,750 gavelhouse.com purchase Mr Intelligence, who was dominant when stepping out against open company for the first time on Saturday.
The son of Niagara was sold in March 2018 as a two-year-old and in two seasons he has raced on 17 occasions to return the stable over $44,000 with Saturday’s win his third.
Born and raised at Gordon Cunningham’s Curraghmore, he was prepared for the Ready to Run Sale however as his advertisement stated at the time, he ‘got lost’ in his breeze up and was pulled from the sale to give him time to mature, hence being offered online.
“I’m delighted that he looks like he is reaching the potential we thought he might have,” commented Cunningham.
“He always looked like a progressive horse that would get over ground as he matured and it’s great that Nikki and Barrie have a really promising horse on their hands that they can get plenty of enjoyment out of for years to come.”
Starting from a wide barrier at Riccarton over 2000m, Mr Intelligence jumped well and relished the solid tempo set by Roullette. On entering the straight, he peeled off the corner and continued to extend his lead to win clear of the field by almost two lengths, much to the elation of his apprentice rider Rohan Mudhoo.
“Heading into the race we thought he’d suit the trip and the track,” commented Nikki Blatch.
“It was his first attempt at open grade and we thought he’d be a chance for a place so to come away with a win is just great,”
“It seems the further the better for him, he loves the trip and has a nice kick at the end,”
“He’s pulled up super and hasn’t left an oat so we will back him up this weekend in the Listed Dunedin Gold Cup and if he runs well, we’ll then aim him at the Listed Invercargill Cup.”
Based at Tapanui, the Blatch stable currently has six horses in work, including another two other gavelhouse.com purchases in Renounce (NZ) (Showcasing) and Superstition (NZ) (Bachelor Duke).
The latest gavelhouse.com thoroughbred auction is online now with bidding due to close on Monday from 7pm. The catalogue features 33 Lots including tried and untried racing stock, yearlings and broodmares. Get in touch with the team on +64 9 296 4436 if you have any questions.
