He Who Dares wins comfortably on debut

[Wandering Eyes]

He Who Dares was one of the most sought-after lots in last year’s New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales, and nearly 12 months later, he delivered on that promise on debut at Wanganui on Monday.

The regally-bred colt is a son of champion sire Snitzel, out of classy race-mare Rondinella, a Group One performer in both New Zealand and Australia. Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis went to $825,000 to secure He Who Dares out of Haunui Farm’s draft, with three trials utilised to prepare the colt for his first race-day appearance.

In the hands of Craig Grylls, He Who Dares started the odds-on favourite at $1.60, with plenty of support also for Ensign Aria ($4.20), who had race experience on her side. The pair both jumped away positively and Ensign Aria took a sit, while He Who Dares motored to the lead inside of Ribella Rose.

Grylls maintained a grip on the favourite down to the home turn, and when asked for an effort, He Who Dares kicked away and never looked under threat, powering away by two lengths to Savachi Boy and Our Sniper.

Te Akau co-trainer Mark Walker was more than satisfied with the performance, indicating the stable had expectations that He Who Dares would be more of a three-year-old type.

“It was a really good win and we love travelling colts away overnight, which is what he did going to Wanganui,” he said. “The trip away helps them mature mentally and he raced like a colt that took it all in his stride.

“It was a good positive ride of Craig’s, electing to press forward when one rushed up early in the race and the colt was up to the challenge.

“Obviously he has a lovely pedigree, with plenty of depth, and he’s got all the attributes he needs for a nice young colt. Given his pedigree, whatever he does as a two-year-old is a bonus because we think he’ll be better at three.”

Walker, who trains in partnership with Sam Bergerson, now has designs on the Gr.3 Fairview Matamata Slipper (1200m) for the colt, with a long-term goal of getting to the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie on Champions Day (March 8).

He Who Dares was bred by Frantic Bloodstock and Haunui Farm, with the latter offering his half-sister in their Book 1 draft at Karaka next week in the form of Lot 255, a filly by Savabeel.

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