SKAW VALLEY GETS ONTO DERBY PATH

Making a perfect start to his racing career, Skaw Valley (3 g Rip Van Winkle – Belle Du Sud, by Savabeel) won the $25,000 Maiden 3YO 1400 metres on 13 December at Hastings.

After rallying strongly for third in a trial on 6 October at Waipa, following seconds in two previous trials, Skaw Valley was fitted with blinkers for his first race day appearance which resulted in a great outcome.

Ridden by South African Billy Jacobson, who recorded his first NZ win last Saturday aboard stable-mate Lingjun Xiongfeng (The Factor) at Pukekohe, Skew Valley was ridden positively from barrier 10 to situate outside the leader.

Slightly detached early in the straight, but having second place in his sights, the situation changed when leader and race favourite Platinum Designs (U S Navy Flag) became wayward and while staying straight and true Skaw Valley was able to capitalize.

It was a professional performance by a horse that co-trainer Pam Gerard had said previously: “Has the makings of a racehorse. I really do like this horse and think he’s got it all there, certainly has the ability, but just needs some race day ring craft.”

On Good4 footing, in the race sponsored by Betta Asbestos Consultancy, Skaw Valley ran 1400 metres in 1:24.8 and drifted significantly in betting to pay $17.20 & $4.60 on the NZ TAB tote.

“He’s a hard case sort of a horse that has shown to button off in the mid-stages of his trials and then get home, so we put the blinkers on to keep him focussed,” she said.

“The plan was to be in front of midfield, but he’s never been a brilliant beginner and a bit lazy so I was quite surprised to see him outside the leader.

“I knew fitness was never going to be an issue and the blinkers just helped him switch on. I galloped him on Tuesday without the blinkers on and I couldn’t get a tune out of him, so had to do something and they certainly sparked him up.

“He’s a very laidback horse and still has no idea what he’s doing. I thought he would take a couple of races to click on, but he’s done the job and he’s a real Derby type of horse.”

Although a fair way to go, Skaw Valley holds a nomination for the $1m Trackside NZ Derby (Gr. 1, 2400m) on Saturday 2 March at Ellerslie.

Owned by Rupert & Cheryl Legh, Glenn Ingham, and Ballymore Stables, Skaw Valley was selected by Paul Moroney Bloodstock and purchased by Ballymore Stables for $110,000, from the draft Kilgravin Lodge, at the Karaka 2022 Book 2 Sale.

The second foal from a Savabeel (Zabeel) mare that won over 1600 metres in Australia, his grand-dam, Croix du Sud, was an impressive winner and sister to another of similar ilk, Howmuchyacharging (Howbaddouwanit), a Highview Stakes (Gr. 3, 1200m) winner that in turn left multiple stakes winner Sacred Croix (Savabeel).

Skaw Valley (pictured in gold cap) was strapped by Dalpat Singh.