Blue-Blooded Nereus (NZ) Takes Big Step

Waikato Stud's Nereus (NZ) emerged from the shadow of his multiple Group One-winning sister with a blockbuster performance of his own in Saturday's $175,000 Group Two City of Palmerston North Awapuni Gold Cup (2100m) at Trentham.

By champion sire Savabeel out of the unraced mare Eudora (NZ) (Pins), Nereus is a full-brother to Savvy Coup (NZ) (Savabeel), who won the Group One New Zealand Oaks (2400m) and Livamol Classic (2040m). Nereus was offered at the 2021 Ready to Run Sale, where he failed to meet his $200,000 reserve. He has now lined up in eight races for five wins, three placings and $258,000 in stakes.

Nereus was retained to race in the Waikato Stud colours and was sent to the Cambridge stable of Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray, who immediately saw potential that was well above average. On Saturday that ability was clear for all to see on the big stage at Trentham.

Ridden by Joe Doyle, Nereus settled in fourth and one off the rail before pouncing in the straight. Skyman (Mukhadram) had pinched a big break on the field soon after rounding the home turn and looked difficult to catch, but Nereus quickened stylishly and raced past him.

Group One winner He’s A Doozy (NZ) (Zacinto) produced a booming finish down the middle of the track to pose a threat in the final 100 metres, but Nereus held him out strongly to win by a length.

“He’s a very good horse, maybe the best in the stable,” Ritchie said. “He’s definitely better on top of the ground, he lets down much quicker and we’ve got some exciting times ahead.”

Ritchie and Murray will now consider sending Nereus across the Tasman to contest the A$300,000 Listed Mornington Cup (2400m) on April 20. That race carries a ballot-free entry into the A$5m Group One Caulfield Cup (2400m) in October.

“It wasn’t the ideal race for him today with the set weights and penalties, but the Mornington Cup is in two weeks, and that’s a golden ticket to the Caulfield Cup,” Ritchie said.

“He’s a nifty little horse, who I think will get around Mornington and Caulfield well, if he keeps lifting the bar and getting over it.

“He’s got the pedigree, the temperament, and the will to win.”