Misterkipchoge breaks through at Rosehill

[Wandering Eyes]

Saturday’s A$160,000 Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1800m) at Rosehill marked a deserved breakthrough for the super-consistent Misterkipchoge (NZ) (Ocean Park).

The New Zealand-bred son of Ocean Park had won only once in his 20-race career before Saturday, but his last 12 starts dating back to last September had produced two seconds, five thirds, four fourths and a fifth.

The four-year-old was an emergency for Saturday’s Benchmark 78 handicap, but he snuck into the field and capped that long run of consistent form with an overdue win.

Misterkipchoge was ridden by Jean Van Overmeire, who pushed him forward out of the gates to take an early lead. He later settled in third behind Ganbare (Maurice) and Monarchs Brae (Highland Reel) when they slid past him from their wide gates and took up the pace going into the back straight.

The Chris Waller-trained Misterkipchoge surged through in between that pair to lodge his claim after coming around the home turn, taking the lead at the 250m mark.

The biggest challenge came from Misterkipchoge’s stablemate Pure Alpha (NZ) (Ardrossan), who loomed as a distinct danger on his outside. But Misterkipchoge rose to the challenge and held on grimly, snatching victory by a nose.

Racing in the colours of Sir Owen Glenn’s Go Bloodstock, Misterkipchoge has now had 21 starts for two wins, eight placings and A$254,925.

Misterkipchoge was bred by Cliff Erb and is by Ocean Park out of the Mastercraftsman mare Porotene Mhia (NZ). Second dam Ghia (NZ) (Kaapstad) is a half-sister to Freequence (NZ) (O’Reilly), the dam of Group One winner I Do (NZ) (No Excuse Needed) and Listed Queensland Cup (3200m) winner Iggi Pop (NZ) (Savabeel).

Erb purchased Porotene Mhia for $10,000 from a 2020 online auction on Gavelhouse.com.

Misterkipchoge began his career in the Stratford stable of Gavin Sharrock, finishing sixth and fourth in two starts at Wanganui and New Plymouth in 2023 before being sold privately.

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