The Richard Collett-trained Super Pursuit (NZ) (Proisir) broke maiden ranks at Tauranga on Wednesday in the manner of a horse destined for higher grades, vindicating the support of punters.
Off the scene since finishing fourth at Te Rapa as a two-year-old to last weekend’s Gr.2 Golden Pendant (1400m) winner Subpoeaned (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle), the now four-year-old came from the rear of the field under a cool Andrew Calder ride to win going away.
“I was hoping everything went right,” Collett said. “He is a horse that showed immense ability early on. We gave him a couple of two-year-old races and he was just a bit raw.
“He would have won races as a three-year-old but he broke his splint bone as a spring three-year-old and was operated on and missed the spring.
“He missed the autumn as well when lockdown hit. He has had 17 months to mature but he is a pretty nice galloper.”
Raced by his breeders, Mac Robinson and Craig Grammer, Super Pursuit is a half-brother to New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Dijon Bleu (NZ) (Burgundy).
Collett, whose team is in fine form, intends to step the son of Proisir through his grades.
“He was a bit raw coming between horses and he will go to Saturday racing now,” Collett said. “He might go to Ellerslie in two and a half weeks.”
