A stakes test is looming for exciting three-year-old Churmatt following his debut win at Rotorua on Wednesday.
The son of Churchill had shown plenty of ability at the trials, including winning his 850m heat at Te Awamutu last month, and was backed into equal favouritism for the Seeka Select Excellence 1230 at Arawa Park.
Under jockey Michael McNab, he jumped well from his ace barrier and was able to maintain his advantage on the fence. Co-favourite Marzenie sat outside him, ensuring an honest tempo throughout.
Upon entering the straight, Churmatt was asked to quicken by McNab and responded quickly, kicking clear of his rivals by a couple of lengths, and he grew that advantage, eventually running out a three-length victor over stablemate Swiss Prince.
He proved to be a difficult ride for McNab, racing greenly throughout, but the Waikato hoop believes he has a bright future instore.
“It is his first time to the races, and he was very green today, but has got good ability,” McNab said.
Marsh was hopeful of a bold showing, and he was pleased with the winning result.
“He was good and sharp and that is what we were hoping would happen,” Marsh said. “He has kicked away really well, he has won super, and he did it very nice.”
Following the victory, Marsh was quick to praise the gelding’s former trainer.
“He started off with Mark Forbes, he trialled up and had a win at Ellerslie,” he said.
“We were lucky enough that Raptors Thoroughbreds (owners) gave him to us and we gave him two trials, and he has won very well today.
“He came with a good grounding, was beautifully educated and had a good rap on him. Mark and his team did a great job, and we have been lucky enough to get a good result.”
Marsh has now turned his attention to stakes targets for the gelding and has identified the Listed Wanganui Guineas (1200m) in a fortnight as a potential option.
“I think a horse like him can head down to the Wanganui Guineas, he looks like that sort of horse,” Marsh said. “He is a good speed horse and he is going to take so much ability out of it.”
Marsh said he has also got a high opinion of runner-up Swiss Prince.
“I like that second horse too, he will be better off over 1400m,” he said. “He is still learning his trade but is a very nice horse and was good late.”
Meanwhile, Marsh was pleased with stablemate Ardalio’s trial at Te Rapa last Saturday, where she finished runner-up behind Alabama Lass in her 1050m heat.
The four-year-old daughter of Ardrossan had a prosperous three-year-old term, winning three and finishing runner-up in one of her six starts, including victories in the Gr.3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m) and Gr.3 Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m).
A light spring preparation is instore for the mare before being set for a tilt at the Gr.1 Railway (1200m) at Ellerslie next year.
“She is coming up really well,” Marsh said. “We have said we are not going to give her a huge spring. She has just gone out for a week in the paddock, and she will then trial at Ellerslie on the 9th (of September) and then we will probably kick her off on the middle day of the Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival, which is at Te Rapa now.
“Then she might come here (Rotorua) for that weight-for-age 1200m (Gr.3 Sweynesse Stakes on October 12) and then go out. We would really like to give her a real solid crack at the Railway.”