Listed Win for The Bandito (NZ)

Well-performed galloper The Bandito (NZ) (Pins) claimed a first black-type win with a powerful front-running performance in Saturday’s $50,000 Bramco Granite & Marble Flying Handicap (1400m) at Awapuni.

The Bandito was bred by Waikato Stud, who sold him for $100,000 at the 2013 Premier Sale at Karaka. He returned later that year for the Ready to Run Sale, but didn’t meet his $100,000 reserve.

Trained by John Bary at Hastings for owner Heath Newton, The Bandito had won only three of his 41 starts before Saturday but had recorded 13 seconds, five thirds, four fourths and four fifths.

On Saturday he dominated the race from the front, rolling forward from his outside gate and taking control after 300 metres of the race.

The Bandito kicked at the top of the straight, then held on strongly to beat Beefeater (NZ) (Alamosa) and fellow Karaka graduate Magnum (NZ) (Per Incanto), who was the defending Flying Handicap champion. The time was a fast 1:22.36.

“It was a great ride by Sam (Collett, jockey), and you’ve got to ride this horse that way,” Bary said. “She let him slide forward, then dictated terms with a light weight.

“He’s a tough horse and he’s been good all season. He also ran 1:22 when he won a race at Wellington earlier in the summer, so he’s shown that he can do it.

“Big thanks to my staff, who have done a great job with him. I’m really happy for the owner, Heath Newton, who’s in Australia and is an absolute champion bloke.”