A savvy purchase from the NZB Ready to Run Sale, the Chris Waller trained So You Think colt Pungo was a short priced favourite at Warwick Farm on Wednesday and duly scored a dominant win at just his second start.
Ridden by Hugh Bowman, Pungo improved off a nice debut fifth two weeks ago, working forward to lead and galloping clear to win the 1400m maiden by three lengths.
“I felt he was the best horse in the race and I knew he’d take good improvement from his first time out as he gave me a really good feel that day and he’s going to improve from today as well,” said Hugh Bowman.
“Come the autumn it would not surprise me at all to see him figuring with the better horses around 2000m. He’s got class and there’s a lot more in store.”
A $180,000 NZB Ready to Run purchase from the KB Bloodstock draft, Pungo is the first foal of Uzayli, a winning half-sister by Lonhro to stakes-winner Turbo Street and to the dam of Group II winner Scott Base.
His third dam Terrestial produced Australian Group I winners Outback Prince and Hotel Grand, so there is a bit of depth to his pedigree.
“I’m not sure know that you can say $180,000 is cheap, but I think it’s cheap now compared to what his value will be,” said Chris Waller.
“He’s typical of the breed and has a nice future.”
