Spiritus flying flag for southern sire at Pukekohe

[Wandering Eyes]

Spiritus (NZ) (Ancient Spirit) will become the first North Island representative for southern sire Ancient Spirit on Wednesday at Pukekohe, and the juvenile has made a good impression on his trainer in the lead-up.

Standing at White Robe Lodge, the multiple Group Two-winning son of Invincible Spirit has had a handful of runners closer to home, including placegetter Bobby Mcgee. Sourced from the Mosgiel nursery, Spiritus entered the care of experienced horseman Chad Orsmby, who couldn’t speak more highly of the gelding.

“He’s my first (Ancient Spirit) in training and he’s been an absolute gem, such a nice horse to work with,” Ormsby said.

“Right from day one as a breaker, all through the stages, he’s just been sensational. He’s been as good as you’ll find in terms of temperament and trainability.

“From my understanding, some friends of ours purchased him from the South Island, and he’s come to be broken in and pre-trained. He’s done really well, and his future racing will likely be in Australia.”

Out of Brian and Lorraine Anderton’s mare Evancho, Spiritus is a half-brother to Markus Aurelius, a seven-race winner, including the 2021 edition of the Gr.2 Coupland’s Bakeries (TAB) Mile (1600m).

Ormsby anticipates his charge may be looking for distances beyond a mile in the future but always intended to gain raceday experience ahead of his three-year-old term.

“We were looking to get a run under his belt before he goes out for a spell because I believe this horse has a big future,” he said.

“I’m not expecting too much on Wednesday in his first start, but he’s been very professional in his trials and he’s a horse that will get up over 2400m and two miles in the future.

“We’ve got him down as a Derby horse in the making, so we’re working back from there.”

Spiritus will contest the Join TAB Racing Club 1200, where he has drawn barrier 10 of 12 runners.

View the full article