Timely Update for Winter Mixed Bloodstock Sale

The New Zealand Bloodstock Winter Mixed Bloodstock Sale catalogue received a timely update on Saturday with La Punta (NZ) (Perfectly Ready) triumphant in the $10,000 Ship Repair NZ Maiden 1600m at Ruakaka.

The son of Perfectly Ready gained his first win at his ninth start for trainer Linda Campbell and her partner Maurice Bevin, the owner and breeder of the horse.

Pukekohe-based Campbell part-owns Glen Hall Farms and La Punta is to be offered at Lot 116 by the Farm at the Winter Mixed Bloodstock Sale this Friday.

Apprentice rider Zinjete Moki worked La Punta to sit outside of the leader going down the back straight. The leader dropped away quickly and La Punta was left in front as the field turned for home. The four-year-old fought tenaciously to hold off local Ruakaka galloper Tuffaar (NZ) (Ekraar) to claim a strong win.

“The horse got left in front early but still got there - he tried really hard,” commented Campbell. “It was a timely win and I was happy for the horse. He showed he has ability but hasn’t always had the best of luck, he came up against some good horses earlier in his career including Little Wonder.

“His dam Zakharova is a nice-type of mare, a lovely staying-type of mare. I think this year will be La Punta’s best year as he strengthens up and I think he might get to 2000m. He has quite a naturally high cruising speed with a short sprint which would suggest he could get over ground.”

La Punta is the first foal out of triple-race winner Zakharova (Daggers Drawn) who is out of the stakes placed Russian Dancer (Zephyr Ace). Zakharova is a full-sister to the multiple stakes placegetter Coup Callum (Daggers Drawn) and was served by Group 1 winning shuttle sire Pour Moi last year.

Glen Hall Farms offered a half-brother to La Punta earlier this year at NZB’s National Weanling Sale, the colt by Cape Blanco fetching $46,000 when purchased by Prima Park Bloodstock.

“Maurice has bred from the family for a long time and he also raced Zakharova," said Campbell. "We are very excited about the coming Pour Moi foal, we were recently in England and there is a lot of good talk about his foals up there.

“We own Glen Hall Farms with Helen Johnson and we sell all our stock under the banner. We do all our own sales preparation and, ultimately, we try to sell all our stock as yearlings or Ready to Run horses.”

The Winter Mixed Bloodstock Sale commences at 12pm this Friday (1 August) at Karaka. Prior to the Sale commencing, New Zealand Bloodstock will host a stallion parade beginning at 10.30am. A list of sires that will be in attendance can be viewed here.