Promising three-year-old Artzino (NZ) (Tarzino) broke through for his maiden win at Sandown on Wednesday, but he had to do it the hard way.
Slow away out of the gates, jockey Mark Zahra had to get busy early on his charge to regather the field.
Turning for home the son of Tarzino was guided wide by Zahra where he was able to gather in the majority of the field before surging once more at the 200m mark to reel in runaway leader Ferrari Man (Menari) to score by a head.
While frustrated that his gelding got caught napping at the start, Zahra believes the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained three-year-old had plenty of ability and is in for a bright future.
“He stood as quiet as a lamb and just as the gates opened, he missed it,” Zahra said.
“He was perfect up until then and it put us in an awkward spot.
“If he jumped and I lobbed four or fifth, he would have won by three lengths.
“It was a good win because to be back there he needed to chase out on his own.
“I am happy we are on hillside. I got to the 50m and a couple of good yells and urging, and like a good horse he knuckled down and won.”
The Gr.1 Victoria Derby (2500m) is a potential target for the gelding and Zahra said he has the potential
“It is his first prep, so it is always hard, but he is in the right camp and the way he won today suggests he is in for better things,” he said.
Artzino was purchased out of Seaton Park’s 2021 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft for $60,000 by bloodstock agent Phill Cataldo and his trainers.