A bold front-running victory at Te Rapa on Saturday has booked a start in the Gr. 1 Sistema Railway Stakes (1200m) on New Year’s Day for capable sprinter Ferrando.
The Graeme and Debbie Rogerson-trained four-year-old relished the firm track conditions on the day as he dominated proceedings throughout before stopping the clock in a rapid 1.09.30 for the 1200 metre journey of the rating 85 contest.
A pick-up ride for Matt Cameron, after original pilot Opie Bosson was stood down for the day after his ride in the previous race, Ferrando has long been held in high regard by his trainers as a horse with a big race win in him.
“I think he’s a pretty good sprinter,” said Graeme Rogerson.
“He had 60 kilos, but he wants a firm track. He didn’t handle the track at Pukekohe or here last time but when he got a good track at Trentham he ran 1.08 and change.
“He will go to Ellerslie now as long as they don’t water.”
Rogerson also revealed he was hopeful of adding his grand-daughter Bailey as an official member of the Rogerson training team later this week.
“Bailey is going to be my training partner and she loves this horse,” he said.
“We’re hoping her license will come through this week. She will join Debbie and I and wants to train a Group One winner in January.”
The pinch-hitting Cameron produced a polished display on the Fast ’n’ Famous entire, who he believes is a chance in the 1 January feature at Ellerslie.
“He’s pretty easy to ride as he jumps and puts himself in the race,” he said.
“He has to be a chance in the Railway as he puts himself there and it’s a race that can get a bit messy. If he can do what he has been doing and we know he can run 1.08, then he has to be a chance.” – NZ Racing Desk
Photo by Trish Dunell
