Faust (NZ) Finds Favour in Canberra Cup

Kiwi stayer Faust (NZ) (Librettist) achieved his first win in a black-type race in the Listed A$200,000 TAB.COM.AU Canberra Cup (2000m) yesterday at Canberra Racing Club.

The five-year-old gelding had his first two race starts in New Zealand with trainers Tony Pike and Mark Donoghue. His New Zealand stint saw him finish second and third over 1200m as a two-year-old before transferring to Australia, breaking his maiden status fresh-up for former trainer Danny Williams.

After a number of starts, including three wins, Kurt Goldman took over Faust’s training in February last year and has recorded another three wins, including his first stakes victory.

“It was a great performance,” commented Goldman. “It was a tough win especially coming from the races he has been competing in recently.

“The last month has not been ideal with the way the racing calendar has fallen so I felt this was the best option, however, I did have a bit of doubt.

“It is my biggest win by far, I’m still pinching myself.”

Starting from barrier 5 with Sam Clipperton riding, the race run at a strong tempo with Faust settling behind mid-field. He began to make his move with 900m to run, taking the lead halfway along the home straight from pacemakers Queenstown (Stratum) and Laidback Larry (NZ)(O’Reilly).

After making the lead, he was quickly headed by fellow kiwi Burbero (NZ) (O’Reilly) but the Librettist gelding dug deep and fought back to win by half-a-length, with Burbero coming in second place and World Wide (Universal Prince) finishing in third.

“He has been racing consistently and will most likely go to the Albury Cup, also a Listed race over 2000m. Although he did well yesterday on a good track, I do feel he appreciates the softer tracks and so it will be a bit dependent on the weather as to where he races next,” said Goldman.

Winning six of his 26 starts and placing in 11 other races, Faust has now increased his total earnings to A$268,453 for owners A Cardy, M Wiener, P Green, J Hilton, D Caddis, C Archer, Bizzell Scott Columbus Gamble Syndicate, Poidevin Paradice Racing Syndicate and Soloman.

Tony Pike Bloodstock purchased Faust at the 2011 Karaka Select Sale for $36,000 from Rich Hill Stud.

Bred by Alan Galbraith, Faust is out of stakes winning mare Recce (Spectacular Love), winner of the Listed KPMG Stakes, and is a half-brother to Grand Reve (Canny Lad), winner of the Listed Chief de Beers and runner-up in the Group 3 BTC Classic.