Wolfgang (NZ) (Puccini), who races as Mister Wolfgang in Australia, was given a pass mark by trainers Peter and Shaun McKay following his Australian debut when sixth in the Gr.2 Hebert Power Stakes (2400m) at Caulfield last Saturday.
The six-year-old gelding was ridden conservatively by expat Kiwi hoop Mick Dee, but was strong late when coming from the back of the field to finish a game sixth, much to the satisfaction of his trainers.
“Drawn wide (12), he got flushed out three-wide most of the way and he kept losing ground when they started to take off coming into the corner,” Peter McKay said.
“Mick said he didn’t really want to push the button too soon with it being his first time over 2400m, but he said the way he has hit the line he probably could have used him a little bit and kept him a bit handier. He came from second to last on the corner and hit the line nicely. It was encouraging.”
The father-and-son training duo have been pleased with the way their charge has come through the run, and they are now eyeing the Gr.3 Geelong Cup (2400m) with Wolfgang next week.
“He cleaned up his tea that night and he has come through it really well,” McKay said.
“We are looking at going to the Geelong Cup next Wednesday. Mick is going to ride him again, so that is encouraging. It probably could get a little bit stronger field with a few of them trying to get the last qualifications to get into the Melbourne Cup.
“They say it is a bigger, roomier track, so hopefully he can put in the same sort of run.”
The Geelong Cup will likely be Wolfgang’s last run in Australia this campaign before he heads home to prepare for some local Cup targets.
“There are other races over there, but it’s just keeping him over there that long,” McKay said. “We may look at bringing him back and freshening him and maybe look at some of our Cup races here.
“It (this trip) was more testing the ground to see where he does stand and if he was competitive enough this time around, we may put a bit of a plan in place next year and put in a bit of a campaign.
“So far, that run was good, and if he can do the same type of run, and hopefully run a bit closer, I will be very pleased.”
Meanwhile, back in New Zealand, the stable is set to take three runners to Ellerslie on Saturday.
Three-year-old gelding Manorbier will make his debut in the NZB Ready To Run Sale Trainers Series (1200m), while Diamonds For Jen will contest the Stella Artois 1400, and Santa Catalina will tackle the TAB 1400.
“Manorbier is a nice horse and if he can run in the first four or five it will be encouraging. He is a nice type who is going to improve,” McKay said.
“Diamonds For Jen drew quite wide (15), that is not going to help at all.
“The Puccini horse, Santa Catalina, we will be expecting her to position up fourth or fifth and hopefully running on. When she gets over a bit more ground, she is going to be a nice mare.”
