Fairway Wish Secures Black Type

Five-year-old gelding Fairway Wish (NZ) showed his true colours on Saturday at Trentham when fighting back to take his first black-type win in the $45,000 Listed Konami Anniversary Handicap (1600m).

Ridden by Lisa Allpress for trainer Karen Zimmerman, Fairway Wish (Sandtrap x Menta Verde) raced on a very keen pace and hit the lead in the straight before being overtaken by fellow Karaka graduate Undisclosed (Pins) who looked set for a classy victory.

However, the grey did what few horses can muster and produced another turn of foot to regain the lead just short of the post to win by a determined head margin.

Bred by Gerry Arber and Karen Zimmerman, Fairway Wish is owned by the Sandtrap 2008 Racing Syndicate and was purchased by Kayzed Racing from Timberlee Thoroughbreds at New Zealand Bloodstock's 2008 Festival Sale for $35,000.

The win was Fairway Wish's first at black-type level and his fifth on the track from 20 starts.

The Listed race saw New Zealand Bloodstock claim its second black-type trifecta of the meeting with the Peter McKay trained Undisclosed claiming second place and Kenny & Lisa Rae trained Flash Hapi hanging on for third after setting a solid tempo in front.

The Karaka Festival Sale will see 308 lots offered on the final day of Karaka 2012, Sunday 5 February. To view the Festival Sale catalogue, click here.