Under the Sun (NZ) Strolls to Winter Stakes Win

The consistent Gai Waterhouse galloper Under the Sun (NZ) got a well-deserved stakes victory at Rosehill on Saturday, taking out the A$100,000 Listed Winter Stakes (1400m).

Under the Sun (No Excuse Needed) dictated the race courtesy of a brilliant front running ride from French jockey Thomas Huet to beat Mic Mac (Statue of Liberty), the victor at the pairs last start. Under the Sun was ridden aggressively from the barrier to find the front with Mic Mac trailing, a role reversal from the previous start. Under the Sun proved too strong for the field as he pulled away in the straight to win by three-and-a-quarter lengths.

“We bought him as progressive staying type but he has shown he is more of a sprinter-miler,” commented Bruce Slade, Racing Manager for Gai Waterhouse. The win on the weekend capped off his best performance to date.”

He had to be on his best form to beat the rejuvenated Mic Mac, a Group 1 performer in his heyday. Under the Sun had trailed Mic Mac at their last meeting but this time he made the front and did not give his older competitor a look in as the field could not make any impression on his lead.

He is set to race next in the Listed $A100,000 Winter Challenge Stakes on 3 August before being targeted at a summer campaign.

“We will target the summer with him, he is a versatile horse that handles any track condition,

“He has been so consistent over his all career, the only time he has been unplaced has been when we have asked him to step over ground and clearly he can’t stay,” said Slade.

The win was the first black-type success for Under the Sun and now that the champion trainer has figured out his ideal distance more success in the future may be close by.

Under the Sun won at his second race day start when trained by Roger James in Cambridge. After joining the Gai Waterhouse stable he won three of his four starts in Australia. Since failing over 1900m in March, Under the Sun has been first or second in five out of his last six starts.

“We bought him out of New Zealand as a tried horse through Rob Waterhouse and Phil Cataldo, who is a massive part of our team and we have had terrific success in buying stayers,” recalled Slade.

Gai Waterhouse has trained many former New Zealand gallopers that have been successful in Australia including Descarado and Herculean Prince who both won Group 1 races carrying the same colours as Under the Sun who is owned by Mr D A Henderson, Mrs R J Henderson, Mr L C Henderson, Mr R A Pegum, Gurners Bloodstock Co, Mr F Crews, Mr W R G Cook, Mr A J Burnes & Mr M J Allen.

Under the Son is by Waikato Stud stallion No Excuse Needed (Machiavellian) and his dam is the Maroof (Danzig) mare Sleaking from the family of Group 1 Victoria Derby winner Bounty Hawk (Balmerino).

Bred by J S, L C, M K & T M Ralston he is a graduate of the 2010 Karaka Select Sale when bought by Crosswinds Partnership from Shelby Park for $15,000.

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