Progressive three-year-old Churmatt showed he has the ability to take on some bigger assignments in the future with a comfortable victory in the NZB Ready To Run Sale Trainers Series 3YO (1400m) at Ellerslie.
The son of Churchill was sent out a dominant $2 favourite for the contest against his age-group rivals following an impressive debut victory at Rotorua which was followed by a gallant second-placed effort behind smart filly Platinum Diamond in the Listed Wanganui Guineas (1200m) last month.
Trainer Stephen Marsh was confident his charge would perform creditably and in the hands of Opie Bosson he did just that as he sat behind the pace set up by stablemate Swiss Prince and the Tony Pike-prepared Storm Front before angling across heels in the straight to issue his challenge.
Bosson soon had him in front and in charge and despite a brave fight from Swiss Prince, who filled the quinella, Churmatt held too many guns and cruised to the line to win by just on two lengths in a stylish 1.24.11 for the 1400m journey.
Marsh was pleased with the performance of both of his runners who hold nominations for the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton on 15 November.
“Both of our two horses have gone well and the winner ran into a smart filly last time who has won three stakes races on the bounce,” Marsh said.
“It’s nice when they can bring their good form to Ellerslie and that was what we were expecting.
“It was a nice ride and that’s what you expect when you have Opie on. He got him away quickly from a good gate and won well.
“Both horses are nominated for the Two Thousand Guineas (Gr.1, 1600m), they are progressive and Swiss Prince will be very hard to beat when he gets back to a maiden.
“OTI have bought half of the winner and it’s great to have them on board.”
Churmatt is now raced by Terry Henderson’s OTI Management PTY Ltd alongside professional syndicators Raptors Thoroughbreds who purchased him out of the Kaha Nui Farm draft at the 2024 Karaka Book 1 Sale for $80,000.
Bosson was also suitably impressed by the effort.
“The draw helped and he relaxed beautifully for me,” he said.
“He has raw ability and is definitely one to watch.”
TAB Bookmakers have Churmatt listed as the $8 Fixed Odds third favourite for the 2000 Guineas whilst Swiss Prince is currently rated a $31 chance.
The win provided Marsh with an early double after Written Tycoon filly Well Written bolted home on debut over 1200m one race earlier.
