Scapolo (NZ) Supreme in Sweynesse Stakes

Scapolo (NZ) (Bachelor Duke), who cost just $40,000 at the 2011 Select Sale, scored the 16th win of his sparkling career and lifted his earnings past $600,000 when he dominated Saturday’s $70,000 Group 3 Sweynesse Stakes (1215m) at Rotorua.

Clearly the best-performed and highest-rated runner in the 11-horse field, Scapolo was ideally suited to the weight-for-age conditions of Saturday’s race. Ridden by Sam Spratt, he raced at the rear of the field before powering to the lead in the straight and dashing clear to win by four and a half lengths.

“He was excellent today,” said Ken Harrison, stable representative for trainer Kevin Myers. “Weight-for-age suited him.

“He handles all sorts of tracks, but it was pretty heavy out there today. The time of 1:18 for the 1200 indicates that. It was a bit of a worry, but he got through it well and showed his class.”

Scapolo has now had 47 starts for 16 wins and 18 placings. This was his fourth stakes win and demonstrated his versatility, having previously claimed the Group 2 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile (1600m), the Group 3 Canterbury Gold Cup (2000m) and the Listed Great Easter Stakes (1400m).

By Bachelor Duke out of the Zabeel mare Kadesa (NZ), Scapolo was bred by The Oaks Stud. Offered by The Oaks at the 2011 Select Sale, he was bought by Myers for $40,000. Myers trains the gelding for owners Anne, Khalif, Rick, Sandy and Teneka Hill.