The Stephen Marsh-trained Ardrossan extended his unbeaten streak in New Zealand to three after taking out the Pak N Save Thames Sprint (1200m) at Te Aroha on Thursday.
The
Redoute's Choice entire was sent forward by jockey Jason Waddell early and
settled a few lengths behind early pacemakers Island Bay and Beyond Dispute.
He cruised past the leaders down the straight, but was kept up to the mark by Waddell to extend once again at the 100m mark to win by 2-1/4 lengths over Dama Zorro, with a further 2-1/4 lengths back to Bravissimo in third.
"He just lobbed into a beautiful spot and cruised up to them on the bend," Marsh said.
"I thought at the furlong we might have been in a bit of trouble, but Jason gave us a little smile in the grandstand at about the 100m, then he was away laughing.
"He is just such a relaxed colt, I think he just took Jason to really ask him to sprint and he has done it well at the line. It's great to have a high-class colt like this, with high-class owners."
Waddell was also forthcoming with his high opinion of the stakes winner and believes he has a bright future ahead of him.
"It was really enjoyable, he is just a stunning individual," Waddell said.
"He has got great attributes, he is quiet, he's fast, he does what you want and there's still a lot left in the tank. He's just a nice horse who I look forward to continuing a nice association with."
Marsh said he is now looking to add a Group victory to the four-year-old's record, with a plan to line him up in the Gr.3 Brighthill Farm Concorde Handicap (1200m) at Ellerslie later this month.
"He has delivered well, so onwards and upwards, and hopefully now we can get nicely into the Concorde on Karaka Millions night," Marsh said.
"We'll get him home and get him ready for that. It is a nice gap, just over three weeks, so it should fit nicely if he comes through well." – NZ Racing Desk
