PENDRAGON FLIES FLAG

Capping good juvenile form, Pendragon (3 g U S Navy Flag – Kerre, by Pour Moi) won second-up in the $25,000 Recreational Services Maiden 1200 metres on 29 November at Te Aroha.

Acquitting himself well with two fourths from two starts last season, Pendragon was given time (49 days) after a head scratching fresh up effort in the Maiden 1000 metres on 11 October at Taupo, but atoned in stylish fashion with a strong victory.

Displaying speed to negate a wide draw (12), as he had done previously, Pendragon worked across outside the leader, quickened to lead 300m out when asked to extend by jockey Niranjan Parmar (a1) and sustained a powerful finish to beat race favourite Certainly (Savabeel).

“He pulled a bit hard, but he’s a good horse,” Parmar said.

On footing upgraded to Good4, Pendragon ran 1200 metres in 1:11.1, last 600m in 34.8, and drifted significantly in betting from an early fixed odds quote of $14.00 & $4.20 to pay $23.70 & $4.80 on the NZ TAB tote.

Co-trainer Pam Gerard said: “Things went a little bit awry at Taupo, but we gave him time to get over that and he looked fantastic before the race today. He’s still carrying a bit of condition and will certainly take improvement from the run.

“He was one of my picks from the sales and obviously U S Navy Flag was a new sire, but he was a standout and Tommy (Hazlett) liked him as a type in the Valachi draft.

“Unfortunately the Fletchers couldn’t be here today, but they’re great stable clients and have some nice horses with us, and it’s great to get another winner for Wally (Campbell) too.

“He’s been a bit mentally immature, but continuing to improve. We’ll make a plan now he’s won a race and I think he could go over a bit more ground.

“It was good to get him back to the races and especially good to break through and win.”

Owned by Dame Sian Elias & Hugh Fletcher, Ned Fletcher & Natalie Walker, Wally Campbell, and Ballymore Stables, and carrying the Fletcher tartan, Pendragon was selected by Paul Moroney Bloodstock and purchased by Ballymore Stables for $110,000 at the Karaka 2022 Book 2 Sale, from the draft of Valachi Downs.

Pendragon is from the first New Zealand crop of Champion Two-Year-Old and European Champion 3YO Sprinter U S Navy Flag (War Front), a triple Group One winning sprinter, and Champion New Zealand First Season Sire.

The first foal from Pour Moi (Montjeu) mare Kerre, who placed in Great Britain, Pendragon was a very well balanced and solid individual in every respect from the outset.

Without sponsor representation, the job went to NZTR CEO Bruce Sharrock who congratulated the owners.

“Congratulations to Wally (Campbell), here, and the Fletcher family to have this horse win so well and a real thrill,” he said.

In reply, Campbell said: “Thanks to my favourite trainer, Pam (Gerard), who took me all the way to Australia last weekend and we finished fourth in the Thousand Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) with Coeur Volante (Proisir).

“Pam does a great job for us as owners and I’m overwhelmed to have this win today. She’s number one in my books.”

Committee member Wayne Lowen also paid tribute to Denny (Hori) Moroney, father of co-trainer Mike Moroney and bloodstock agent Paul Moroney.

“Hori was a member of the club for over 40 years, only once missed an AGM, so it’s always good when the Moroney’s, Pam (Gerard), and Ballymore Stables win a race here.

“Hori was a big supporter of the Te Aroha Jockey Club and racing in this area.”

Pendragon was strapped by Joe Nishizuka.