NAXOS WINS ON DEBUT

Getting the job done on debut, Naxos (3 g Harry Angel – Sommaripa, by O’Reilly) won the $25,000 Pure Lighting Maiden 1200 metres on 11 February at Tauranga.

In the royal blue & white hoops of breeder/owner Sir Peter Vela, Naxos had been given time since finishing third in a three-way photo-finish when trialling on 5 December at Waipa, and co-trainer Pam Gerard had been happy with his progress leading up to race day.

“It was good to finally get him to the races, after taking him to Hastings (25 Jan.) and having the meeting abandoned, and we’d been waiting for a race to suit him,” Gerard said.

“He’d come such a long way in this preparation, now looks like a racehorse, has the right attitude to want to be out there and try, and I thought he could be thereabouts if everything went his way.”

Ridden by Billy Jacobson, establishing a good record with the stable, Naxos was away well, dropped in behind the first three, quickened to level once through to challenge at the 300m, and changing strides late he was the most competitive in a tight finish.

“I knew coming into the straight that I had a good shout, he gave me a nice kick, and held on well,” Jacobson said.

“Pam’s done a great job with him. At the trials he showed me a bit, so I fancied him from there and rode him positively.

“It was a tight finish, but we were in for the fight and he proved the best in winning.”

On Soft5 footing, Naxos ran 1200 metres in 1:11.8, last 600m in 35.6, and drifted in betting to pay $11.80 & $2.70 on the NZ TAB tote.

Naxos made it consecutive wins for Sir Peter Vela (Pencarrow Stud), after Bonifleur (Burgundy) won the previous event on the programme for trainer Paul Richards.

His grand-dam Santagostino (Giant’s Causeway) impressed winning to 2100 metres, including the Great Northern Guineas (Gr. 2, 2100m), so Naxos may appreciate further but the influence of sire Harry Angel (Dark Angel) has injected some precocity.

A triple Group One winning British sprinter, Harry Angel has made a great start to his stallion career with over 100 individual winners from his first two crops – oldest three-year-olds.

His progeny have also stretched out in trip, with Tom Kitten winning the Spring Championship Stakes (Gr. 1, 2000m).

“Billy (Jacobson) gave him a beautiful trip and the horse does everything right, likes to be competitive, honest, and tries hard,” Gerard said.

“We bought another Harry Angel yearling (Lot 508) for $55,000 at the Karaka sales, out of a Group One winning mare, and we’ve got shares available. He’s bred to be fast and I love him.

“Accepting on behalf of the owner, Gerard said: “We love coming to Tauranga, where the club is very welcoming, makes the day enjoyable, and we love winning races over here.

“Thank you to the new sponsors, Pure Lighting, and we, as trainers, appreciate your input into racing immensely and it means a lot.”

Pencarrow racing manager Garry Cossey said: “He was well placed by Pam and Mike (Moroney) and very well ridden, so good to see.

“Pam had always told us the horse tries hard and that a little bit of cut in the track would be ideal for him.

“She said if he didn’t measure up today that she would probably look at turning him out and coming back in the autumn, but obviously there was sufficient give for him to appreciate it.

“Billy eased him back off a hot speed to get the trail, was out at the right time, and the horse had a go, put his ears back and tried hard.

“Paul (Richards) told me the first winner for Sir Peter, Bonifleur, probably could have done with another trial, but she got away with it and looked professional, so it’ very pleasing to get a double.

“Sir Peter will be very pleased with getting a double on the day at Tauranga, and we’re very pleased with the way the horses are being prepared and the feedback we get.

“I spoke with Pam after Naxos trialled, trying to find somewhere he’d be competitive. They were patient and found a lovely race at Hastings, and they were called off which was frustrating, but we’ve been rewarded today and it just goes to show that there’s always something around the corner.

“She placed him very well and had a good handle on him.”

Naxos was strapped by Joe Nishizuka.