Loosespender (NZ) Comes of Age in Waikato Guineas

3 minute read

In only the third start of his fledgling career, talented three-year-old Loosespender (NZ) (Turn Me Loose) stepped into the spotlight with a commanding performance in Friday’s $120,000 Group Two Legacy Lodge Waikato Guineas (2000m) at Te Rapa.

The Ben Foote-trained gelding was a $60,000 purchase by Upper Bloodstock from Beckam Equine's draft in Book 2 of Karaka 2021. His three-start career has now produced two wins and a fourth, earning $80,840 for Foote, who also shares ownership with Lau Hing Fai and the Stride Racing Club Syndicate

Loosespender was a maiden winner on debut at Hawera on Christmas Eve, then stepped straight into stakes class with a close and fighting fourth in the Listed Gingernuts Salver (2100m) at Pukekohe on January 8. He took on black-type opposition again on Friday, and this time he rose to the top.

Ridden by Kozzi Asano, the grey son of Turn Me Loose (NZ) sat in second place behind the free-going leader Orsome Dude (NZ) (El Roca). He began to creep closer to that rival down the side of the track, dragging the remainder of the field up behind him.

Loosespender took control at the top of the straight and the result was never really in doubt from there, kicking strongly and scoring an emphatic victory over fellow Karaka graduates Devildom (NZ) (Almanzor) and Savoir Faire (NZ) (Savabeel).

"He's got a bit to learn, but he settled beautifully today," Asano said. "I asked Ben what to do, and he told me not to drop back. The horse jumped so well and put himself right there.

"I just kept him rolling, and he didn't mind the wet track. The favoured horses came around and tried to get us, but he kicked again and it was so good."

Loosespender is not currently nominated for next month's $1m Group One New Zealand Derby (2400m), but Friday's performance might be a step towards changing that.

"He's a big, strong horse, and it's quite obvious we'll have to go to the Avondale Guineas (Group Two, 2100m)," Foote said.

"From there we'll make a decision on a late nomination for the Derby. It's $30,000, so it's not cheap, and the next run will tell us what we're going to do.

"When he hit the front at Pukekohe last start, he ran around a bit before he kicked back again. He's definitely a decent horse, and I was confident today."

Runner-up Devildom was a $180,000 purchase from Book 1 of Karaka 2021, while the third-placed Savoir Faire was bought for $640,000 from the 2021 Ready to Run Sale.