Travel-savvy colt primed for Ashburton test

[Wandering Eyes]

It came as no surprise to Steven Cole that Customized was unfazed by the lengthy trip south from Byerley Park to Christchurch.

Cole sent the colt to Andrew Carston’s Riccarton stable earlier this week to continue his build-up toward next month’s Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m).

The in-form Customized will have the opportunity at Ashburton on Saturday to boost his Classic prospects when he steps out in the Gr.3 Barneswood Farm Stakes (1400m) with the experienced Kylie Williams booked for the ride.

“He went down last Sunday and he’s settled in really well, we’re very happy with him,” Cole said.

“He’s pretty cruisy and he raced in Brisbane as a two-year-old, he went there from Sydney for his first start so he’s well-travelled.

“He’s a very laid-back horse so this trip (to Christchurch) was never going to be a factor.”

The son of Capitalist was purchased at last year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for A$400,000 and was a debut third for trainers Peter and Paul Snowden in the Gr.3 BJ McLachlan Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm.

He subsequently ran fourth at Rosehill, was unplaced at Hawkesbury before he finished runner-up at Newcastle and was then bought by Cole for A$100,000 when offered at the Inglis Digital July Sale.

“He was raced by James Harron Bloodstock and they sold him thinking that he wasn’t going to be a stallion prospect for them over there,” he said.

Customized recouped a portion of his purchase price when successful in his New Zealand debut with a dominant first-up performance.

“When you look at the horses he had been racing against in Australia and the form that he brought to New Zealand, you would have thought a Ruakaka maiden wasn’t going to be out of his realm,” Cole said.

In one subsequent outing, Customized finished strongly for fourth after an awkward beginning at Ellerslie against the older horses and Cole is hoping practice will now make perfect for the colt.

“He obviously came over from Australia and has never raced left-handed and with the grand final being the 2000 Guineas we thought it was better to get him down to Riccarton early,” he said.

“He’ll get a look around the track and get some more racing into him left-handed.”

Meanwhile, Cole will be at Te Rapa on Saturday with his other Guineas contender Chicago Jack who runs in the Colliers Commercial 3YO (1400m) with Joe Doyle to take the reins.

“He was very good last time out and found the line well, and the step up to 1400m will be ideal for him,” Cole said.

Chicago Jack had finished a sound third at his most recent appearance on the course behind Suit Yourself and Domain Ace, who will again be race rivals.

“All going well on Saturday, he will go down to Riccarton on October 20 and race on the 26^th in the War Decree (Gr.3, 1600m) and Customized could run in it as well,” Cole said.

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