All-Karaka Finish to Spring Sprint

Graduates of New Zealand Bloodstock Sales finished first, second and third in Saturday’s $70,000 Group Three Red Badge Spring Sprint (1400m) at Hastings. 

In a tight finish, the $50,000 Select Sale purchase Hypnos (NZ) (Reliable Man) prevailed by a short head from the $26,000 Festival Sale graduate Rock On Wood (NZ) (Redwood). Another half-length away was Vigor Winner (Declaration of War), who cost $50,000 at the Ready to Run Sale.

Ridden by Danielle Johnson, Hypnos swooped from well back in the field to hit the lead early in the home straight. He faced a strong challenge through the last 150 metres from both Rock On Wood and Vigor Winner, but fought them off impressively.

“He toughed it out nicely and he was ridden well,” said Roger James, who trains in partnership with Robert Wellwood.

“I told anyone who wanted to listen that his work on Monday morning was just sparkling. My biggest concern was the slow track, but he coped with it okay.

“We want to get to Riccarton with him for the (Group Two) Coupland’s Bakeries Mile (1600m on November 11).

“I’m thrilled for his connections. They were my original owners and the first people I ever bought a yearling for.”

Hypnos has now had 21 starts for four wins, seven placings and $174,188 in stakes – more than three times his purchase price.

Rock On Wood has earned more than seven times his $26,000 purchase price with a current bank balance of $198,750. He has had 15 starts for six wins and four placings.

Third-placed Vigor Winner has recorded four wins and four placings from 14 starts, earning $175,450 – more than three times his purchase price.

The next generation of outstanding New Zealand thoroughbred talent will be showcased in Karaka 2021, starting with Book 1, which runs across three days from Sunday 24 January. That will be followed by Book 2 from Wednesday 27 through to Friday 29 January.