Outstanding kiwi galloper Hold it Harvey continued his red hot run in feature races on Saturday when he thrashed a quality field in the Group Two Awapuni Gold Cup (2000m).
Prepared by Terri Rae, Hold it Harvey didn’t give his accomplished rivals a look in, cruising to an easy big race win – his third group success in four runs.
The win was the ninth at stakes level for Hold it Harvey – one of New Zealand’s unheralded racetrack stars.
In his latest big race success Hold it Harvey sat in the first half of the field, against the rail, before coming with a run after turning for home. No sooner he’d hit the front, he unleashed a paralysing turn of foot to leave his rivals languishing behind.
With regular rider Jamie Bullard in the saddle, Hold it Harvey defeated Dawn Ghost (Michael Walker) by three and three quarter lengths, while Can’t Keeper Down (Noel Harris) was another half length back in third place.
Among the unplaced brigade were proven big race winners Red Ruler, Vosne Romanee, Capecover and Sir Slick.
“Harvey has been a super horse for us,” a delighted Terri Rae said. “My partner Matt Shepherd owns him and he’s now won nine stakes races.”
“Although he is not a big horse he has a great motor and huge heart. We are certainly lucky to have him.”
Rae plans to give her star campaigner one more run in the Group Three Canterbury Gold Cup later this month before heading for a spell.
All up Hold it Harvey has notched 13 wins and 18 placings from 52 starts and earnings of over NZ$554,000.
The gelding has been a remarkable money spinner for connections after his purchase for $16,000 at the 2006 Magic Millions National Yearling Sale.
He was picked out and purchased at the sale by trainer Terri Rae from the draft of Baramul Stud.
“I purchased Harvey on type. He was a nice, correct horse with a lovely way about him – a tidy individual overall and great value,” Rae said.
“I have had terrific success with my purchases from Gerry’s draft. I have bought three horses off him – (Hold it) Harvey, Not Now Norman who had two starts for us for two wins including a stakes race and was sold to Hong Kong and also Go Go Dingo (Testa Rossa) who is a three-year-old winner of two races and shows considerable promise.”
“My other Magic Millions purchases include Don’t Say Clang – nine wins including a stakes win and Six Blue Monkeys, a Pure Theatre gelding who had his second start today and was a winner.”
“As you can see I am a Magic Millions fan and I will definitely be back in June (for the National Yearling Sale),” Rae summed up.
A son of South Australian based sire King Cugat, Hold it Harvey is one of two winners, from two to race, for the twice raced Best Western mare Daly Charm.
A grandaughter of Prix Morny winner Princesse Lida, Daly Charm is a half sister to the stakes placed, nine time winner Chanted.
A half brother to Hold it Harvey, by More Joyous’ sire More Than Ready, was purchased by leading trainer Gerald Ryan for $235,000 at the recent 2011 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Winner: Hold it Harvey (King Cugat-Daly Charm)
Race: Manawatu RC Awapuni Gold Cup G2 (2000m)
Sold for: $16,000
Sale: 2006 Magic Millions National Yearling Sale
Vendor: Baramul Stud
Buyer: Terri Rae
Earnings: NZ$554,675
Owner(s): MR Shepherd
Trainer: Terri Rae (Riccarton Park)
