Ready to Run Sale Star Turn Me Loose (NZ) Claims Third Group 1

Turn Me Loose (NZ) (Iffraaj) flew the flag for NZB and the New Zealand thoroughbred industry when he scored an outstanding victory in the Futurity Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday, the third Group 1 win of his glittering career.

Ridden by Opie Bosson, Turn Me Loose was cruising in midfield for most of the 1400-metre race. He took over 250 metres from home and was too strong for Stratum Star and Suavito in the A$500,000 feature.

Turn Me Loose (NZ) wins the Futurity Stakes at Caulfield

“Once we got into our spot he dropped the bit and was travelling beautifully,” Bosson said. “He ranged up in the straight and I knew he wouldn’t lie down. He was strong all the way to the line.”

Turn Me Loose is out of the Danehill mare Indomitable. He was bred by George and Maryanne Simon, who offered the colt at the 2013 Ready to Run Sale at Karaka. He was purchased by Victorian buyer Todd Hartley, who shares ownership of the exciting stallion prospect with Lindsay de Souza, Doug Painter, Paul Vawdrey, Jim Lark and Scott Brown.

Turn Me Loose has now won seven of his 13 starts and more than $1.5 million. His previous victories include the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas at Riccarton, the Group 1 Emirates Stakes at Flemington and the Group 2 Crystal Mile at Moonee Valley.

Cambridge trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman will now send Turn Me Loose to Sydney to contest Group 1 features such as the George Ryder Stakes and Doncaster Mile. Further down the track, he is expected to be aimed at the Cox Plate.

“If we can get there, that would be awesome,” Brown said. “Being Australian owners, that is the race that we are after.”