New Zealand bred Tara Iti to Debut at Sandown

Bred, purchased and educated in New Zealand, Tara Iti (Shocking x Fairfield Flame) will be kicking off his race career at Sandown today in the Maiden 3YO event over 1400m with Mark Zahra to take the ride.

Having won a trial in New Zealand, from the Matamata stable, Tara Iti was sent over to Melbourne to continue his career, and while the son of Melbourne Cup winner Shocking is bred to go further, he did show a good amount of speed and will undoubtedly take plenty of improvement and experience for today’s outing.

“He’s drawn wide and we would like to see him relax in the running and race in and amongst horses to further his education,” trainer Mike Moroney said.

“Next preparation is where we see him ultimately, although we have come this far with him and would like to see him learn as much as he can before heading for a spell.”

“The softer ground shouldn’t pose as too much of a concern as he did win his trial in New Zealand on rain affected ground, while Shocking’s progeny appear to handle all goings.”

Tara Iti was purchased by Paul Moroney Bloodstock from the Karaka Yearling Sales and is the son of Group 2 Waikato Gold Cup runner up Fairfield Flame, making him a close relation to dual Group 2 winner Keyora and The Oaks Stud stallion Roc de Cambes.