Classy display by You Say D’Orsay

[Wandering Eyes]

The fast-improving You Say D’Orsay (Under The Louve) indicated he is a serious contender for the upcoming Gr.3 Manco Easter Handicap (1600m) with a gusty victory at Tauranga on Saturday.

An Australian-bred son of Under The Louvre, You Say D’Orsay has been lightly-raced by Cambridge trainer Chris Wood, with just four starts as a three-year-old resulting in two wins and two runner-up finishes. The gelding has continued his upward trajectory at four, placing fourth in the $1 million Aotearoa Classic (1600m) and was deservedly among the favourites in Saturday’s St Cundy Bayleys Country and Lifestyle (1400m).

In the hands of apprentice jockey Ace Lawson-Carroll, You Say D’Orsay tracked up on-speed in his usual pattern, finding a good position outside Sako who maintained a solid tempo mid-race. The pair drew level at the top of the straight and neither horse would give an inch, with You Say D’Orsay finding the extra kick in the closing stages to score by a short neck.

“Everything panned out well, Ace rode him nicely,” Wood said. “He jumped well and when Stephen Marsh’s horse (Sako) wasn’t going to hand up (the lead), we just sat on the outside of him.

“In the first two races, it looked like it was going to be a bit of an on-pace day so I thought if I had one that was going to handle it for the day, it was him. He kicked well when he came up to the other horse and pulled away in the last little bit.

“It was a game effort with plenty of weight on board, I thought it was a good, strong win.”

All roads now lead to the Easter for the gelding, who will have another run before the mile feature at Ellerslie on April 19.

“I’ll have to have a good look at the book in the next 24 hours, we probably do need a stepping stone to get to the Easter, it just depends which race that is,” Wood said.

An earner of over $185,000, You Say D’Orsay was identified and purchased for $50,000 by Wood, Paul Moroney and Catheryne Bruggeman at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. In 12 starts, the gelding has never finished out of the first six, with four wins and four minor placings to his credit.

“He was a nice horse, Paul Moroney bought him for me and he came with nice credentials and a good walk on him,” Wood said. “Paul did a good job to find him for not a lot of money and since he’s arrived here, he’s just taken every step and not put a foot wrong really.

“He can get a little bit tender in his feet, but that’s the only problem we’ve had with him. 

“Apart from that, he’s just a dream to have around the stables. He’s the loveliest, kindest horse you could ever deal with.”

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