Antipodean (NZ) (Derryn) stretched his unbeaten run to six with a powerful display in the 3YO Pacific Cup (1200m) at Selangor on Sunday.
The New Zealand-bred gelding, purchased by trainer Simon Dunderdale for NZ$23,000 from Regal Farm at the NZB Ready To Run Sale, has taken local racing by storm since making his debut four months ago.
After easy wins in Open Maiden company, then in Class 4 and Class 3, Antipodean tackled top company for the first time and came out with flying colours in a Metro A set-weight race two weeks ago.
Racing against three-year-old company on Sunday, Antipodean started at prohibitive odds proved far too good under jockey Bernardo Pinheiro.
“He is an amazing horse, a young horse with a very bright future,” Pinheiro said.
“I am so glad to be on board him. This is my third win on him and our first Cup. He showed improvement with each race. He managed to sit well and travelled so good.
“At the top of the straight when I asked (him for an effort), he ran home so well. Simon (Dunderdale) did an amazing job with him.”
Ex-pat Kiwi Simon Dunderdale, who heads the trainers’ premiership at Selangor didn’t hold back in his assessment of the son of Derryn.
“Antipodean is a superstar,” he said.
“He has another gear when it looked like he was under pressure. Thanks to Pinheiro for another good ride.”
By Grangewilliam Stud stallion Derryn, Antipodean is out of the Per Incanto mare Pakapunch, a three-times winner and half sister to Group Three performer Yatima.
The Selangor Turf Club have been significant supporters of the New Zealand Ready To Run Sale in recent years, with trainer Simon Dunderdale purchasing three juveniles from the sale last November. – Selangor Turf Club
