The Danica Guy-trained Wild West (NZ) (Atlante) showed his raw ability when scoring his maiden win in the Rayner Building Maiden 3YO 1200 at Awapuni on Friday.
The three-year-old gelding was sent forward from his wide barrier early by jockey Johnathan Parkes, however, the pair were unable to find a position and were posted three-wide for the entire trip.
The son of Atlante showed his determined nature when kicking at the turn and he was able run away to a 1-1/2 length victory over Magness (NZ) (Nadeem), with a further short neck back to Sola Power (NZ) (Power) in third.
“I jumped out well but he didn’t have a lot of natural speed early so we got pushed a little bit wide,” Parkes said.
“He showed a good turn of foot at the top of the straight and he was able to hold on after a tough trip, it was a good effort.”
Parkes believes there is plenty instore for Wild West this preparation.
“Today he was fresh-up, so you would think he would improve a little bit more,” Parkes said. “He is a nice enough horse.”
Guy was pleased with the win, but didn’t envisage the gelding having such a tough run first-up.
“That was very gutsy on the horse’s behalf,” she said. “He came here a little light on fitness. I brought him here as a trial and I just wanted him to have a soft run, but he didn’t get that.
“He’s probably up to a better class, he is still learning. He is a little bit dumb. Hopefully he will put it together more this campaign.”
