Kiwi import Lord Bouzeron (NZ) (Burgundy) made a successful introduction to Australian racing with a dominant victory against his own age on rain-affected going at Caulfield on Saturday and is likely to be back at the same venue in a fortnight.
Having his first Australian start and first for Cranbourne-based trainer Francis Finnegan, after registering three wins for his sister in-law Chrissy Bambry from 13 appearances in New Zealand, Lord Bouzeron led throughout and scored a dominant 4-1/2 length victory in the Neds Handicap (2000m).
“I did think he’d need the run, but he is such a hardy, honest and genuine horse,” Finnegan said.
“I was surprised by the margin he put on them, but Chrissy and Tony Bambry were more than confident.
“He is very honest, and he beat a good field and I think a mile and a half in a fortnight will suit him better.”
Lord Bouzeron will stick to three-year-old company as he steps up to 2400m at Caulfield on July 25 and Finnegan revealed the son of Burgundy was initially going to target the Adelaide or Queensland carnivals before COVID-19 hit.
Lord Bouzeron won trials over 1200m and 1400m in June for Chrissy Bambry before being sent across the Tasman to target better prizemoney.
“He hasn’t run since March and he is a real athlete,” Finnegan said.
“He is only a little horse and the three kilo claim of Will Price meant a hell of a lot. I am looking forward to running him again in a fortnight.”
