In a week where wild weather affected a number of race meetings it was the aptly named Force Of Nature (NZ) (Savabeel) that continued a stellar run of form with victory in the Modern Transport Group (1200m) at Te Rapa.
The Andrew Forsman-prepared son of Savabeel went into the Open 1200m contest off a winning performance in rating 75 company at the venue back in April, that kicked off his autumn campaign on the best possible note.
Apprentice Tristan Moodley had the four-year-old travelling sweetly throughout on Saturday and angled to the middle of the track to launch a challenge shortly after rounding the home bend.
Pacemaker Shoes (NZ) (Derryn) fought hard when joined by Force Of Nature but the race favourite had the momentum in his favour as he drew out in the final few strides to win by half a length at the post from the game Shoes and Baronet (NZ) (Contributer) who plugged on well to take third.
Forsman was delighted with the effort of his charge who he believes will only continue to get better.
“It was a good effort today as they didn’t go as hard as I thought they would,” Forsman said.
“We all know how good a front runner Shoes can be and with her light weight (52.5kgs) I thought she could be very hard to catch.
“My guy knuckled down well and really found the line in the last part which was very pleasing to see.
“He is a Savabeel who has just needed time to mature and I don’t think he is finished yet. Tony (Rider) is a great owner as he has let us do what we have wanted with the horse and is reaping the rewards now.
“He also handled what was quite a tricky track (Heavy 8) so that was good to see although I doubt whether he would go as well on the really deep surfaces that we can expect over the next few months.
“He might have one more and then we could put him away with our sights set on something bigger and better in the Spring.”
Bred and raced by Milan Park principal Tony Rider, Force of Nature is out of the O’Reilly mare Elusive Nature (NZ) and is the younger brother of Listed El Roca – Sir Colin Meads Trophy winner (1200m) Shezzacatch (NZ) (Savabeel)who also ran 4th in the 2023 Gr.1 Telegraph (1200m) behind Levante (NZ) (Proisir). He has now won four of his eight starts and over $95,000 in prizemoney.