Progressive three-year-old That’s Gold never left the inside rail as he stormed home to collect his richest career win in the Sir Patrick Hogan Karapiro Classic (1600m) at Te Rapa on Saturday.
The Chris Wood-prepared son of Lucky Vega hasn’t shied away from tackling the best of his age group in his current preparation having taken out the Gr.3 Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m) three starts ago before finishing fifth to Well Written in the Gr.2 Auckland Guineas (1400m) and third behind Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) contender Chilling Out at his most recent performance.
Wood has made no secret of his regard for his charge and gave rider Sam Collett a clear plan before the race, which she followed to the letter.
“I thought drawn (barrier) one he had to be hard to beat,” Wood said.
“I said to her don’t dig him up too much as he will get over-racing as we are trying to get him to settle as we head towards those 2000m and more races.”
Bounced away quickly at the start by Collett, That’s Gold enjoyed a perfect trail behind Thorax before sticking hard against the running rail turning for home.
Eventual runner-up Rambling On issued his challenge wider out as That’s Gold hit the front at the 200m and the pair went to the line locked together, with That’s Gold securing the line by a head at the winning post.
Wood wasn’t afraid to shed a tear as he thanked his owners and stable staff for the contribution they have made to the horse.
“It’s a huge, huge thrill and I’m over the moon,” he said. “His work this week has been exceptional. He has a great syndicate of owners and I have to thank them, my staff at home who are incredible, and my farrier.
“I have a lot of good people around me who are a big help and it was also a lovely ride by Sam.”
Wood noted the horse would now head to the Gr.2 Eagle Technology Avondale Guineas (2200m) at Ellerslie on 21 February before contesting the Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) a fortnight later.
Collett was delighted with the run given her mount was up against quite a few older runners.
“He is only a three-year-old and there were quite a few four-year-olds in the race with more experience,” she said.
“He showed what he can do and he is a much better chaser, so I had a bunny to follow today, the rail opened up and he did the rest.
“He quickened really well and he has just kept improving on his Derby path.”
That’s Gold was purchased by Wood alongside Paul Moroney Bloodstock and Catheryne Bruggeman for A$57,500 out of the Yulong draft at the 2024 Inglis Premier Sale.
He has now won three of his 14 starts and over $287,000 in prizemoney. - LOVERACING.NZ News Desk
