Le Choix Gr.1 bound

It has been a very successful few days for Ballymore's NZ stables with Le Choix saluting at Te Rapa on Saturday whilst on Monday we cheered on an Avondale double with Spitting Image (pictured) and Kidwelly.

Having only his second start, the very exciting Le Choix - who had impressed winning at his Matamata debut on October 13, rose in class and distance and again proved too good.

"He was a bit slow to jump," said Chad Ormsby, "and he was last early - but he slid forward to get a trail behind the leaders and was able to get to them early in the straight before kicking away to an easy win."

Always well regarded by the stable, the son of Choisir and the city winning Generous mare Genebel is a home-bred for Don McLaren who is understandably excited about his young horse's prospects - "he looks to be something special," he enthused.

A Group One campaign awaits La Choix who has also impressed his jockey Jason Waddell... "he is a serious horse," he said.

Monday's Avondale meeting was a good one for the stable, Kidwelly and Spitting Image both overcoming trouble in running to find the line.

Getting back on the rails, Kidwelly did not have much room in the straight, having to switch off heels to find clear running - giving the leaders several lengths at the 300m before charging home and racing clear late.

"She is a horse we have always had a bit of time for," Ormsby said, adding that, "we think she is definitely Group class."

Having just her fourth start - and her second this time in, the daughter of Dylan Thomas saluted by a soft length.

Spitting Image had a similar run before his debut success in the 1200m maiden.

Also settling back on the rails, the promising son of Strategic Image had to make his own luck from the turn - pushing his way into the clear and getting to the line a little early, a bit unsure of what to do next!

"He looked like he was ready to pull away," Ormsby said, "but he was a bit green... he will definitely be improved."

Both Kidwelly and Spitting Image were bargain purchases for Paul Moroney, one of Australasia's best judges of the thoroughbred. We are still looking for people to race Spitting Image - as well as the lightly raced Pentire gelding The Hotz who also ran nicely on the weekend...

www.ballymorestables.com.au/ownershipoptions