He’s Lucid (NZ) Soars to War Decree Success

Saturday’s $100,000 Group Three War Decree Stakes (1600m) at Riccarton was the scene of a breakthrough performance by Karaka graduate He’s Lucid (NZ) (Contributer).

The three-year-old feature was the first win of a five-race career for He’s Lucid, who was a $40,000 purchase by trainer and part-owner Kevin Myers from Book 2 of Karaka 2023. The big gelding has now banked $75,430, and if Saturday’s performance is anything to go by, he will not be stopping there.

He’s Lucid had shown real promise in his first four starts, finishing in the first four in all of them including third placings in the Listed Castletown Stakes (1200m) and Wanganui Guineas (1200m).

The step up to 1600 metres was a new test for the seven runners in Saturday’s War Decree Stakes, and a heavy track only added to the challenge. But He’s Lucid took it all in his stride and produced a powerhouse performance.

After settling in second behind the front-running When Stars Align (NZ) (Zoustar), He’s Lucid and jockey Lily Sutherland made their move at the home turn. They pounced on the leader and raced past him, taking command with 300 metres remaining.

Multiple stakes-winning filly Raziah (NZ) (Niagara) and highly rated Karaka graduate Kiwi Skyhawk (NZ) (Contributer) gave their all to try to run him down in the straight, but He’s Lucid kept going strongly and raced to victory by a length and a quarter.

“He jumped well, put himself there, and that was it,” Sutherland said. “He loved the wet today, although he is good on the dry as well. Going up to the mile really suited him.

“He’s a big horse and I am really lucky to have kept the ride on him, so thanks to Mr Myers and Mr Duncan (owners) for putting me on and trusting me. He is one of my favourite horses.”

Bred and sold by Mapperley Stud, He’s Lucid is the 10th individual stakes winner for the late stallion Contributer, who stood at Mapperley until his death this year. The dam of He’s Lucid is Big Dreamer (NZ) (No Excuse Needed), who herself won five races and placed in the Group Three Thompson Handicap (1600m) and the Listed Matamata Cup (1600m).