Passing Shot Wins NZB Finance Sprint

Prolific sprinter Passing Shot (NZ) (Swiss Ace) was too strong for his rivals in Saturday’s $50,000 Listed NZB Finance Sprint (1200m) at Hastings, the eighth win of the Karaka graduate’s 23-start career and his third at stakes level.

Previously successful in the Group 3 Mr Tiz Trophy and Listed Lightning Handicap, Passing Shot added Saturday’s sprint feature with a relentless front-running performance.

Rider Opie Bosson sent him straight to the lead and he stayed there, bravely turning back the strong late challenge of Miss Denni (NZ) (Pins) to win by a short head.

“He’s got some fight,” winning co-trainer Eddie Chippendale said. “The mare had me worried there for a while, but he really dug in. Very happy with that result. It was a beautiful ride by Opie.”

Prominent syndicators Go Racing bought Passing Shot for $50,000 at the 2013 Select Sale. He has now earned more than five times that in prize-money.

The placegetters were also graduates of the Karaka sale ring. Miss Denni was bought for $280,000 at the 2013 Premier Sale, while third placegetter Bonniegirl (NZ) (Darci Brahma) fetched $85,000 at the 2013 Select Sale.