Promising five-year-old Matterhorn (NZ) (Swiss Ace) will head across the Tasman later this month to join Kris Lees’ Newcastle barn.
The Gerry Harvey-owned gelding has had two starts in New Zealand for former trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott for a win and a second.
“He has done very well, but unfortunately with the way he was placed in New Zealand the boss (Harvey) wants to take him to Australia now,” said Russell Warwick, General Manager of Harvey’s Westbury Stud.
“Kris will just get a feel for him and work through the grades. We won’t be too ambitious, he is a five-year-old at the moment.”
Patience has been the key with Matterhorn, who has been given plenty of time.
“He was constantly plagued with shin soreness in his younger days,” Warwick said.
“He has always shown us plenty of ability, but every time we got him up to do something he was just immature and has taken time to get to this stage.
“Now he is showing we will be rewarded for our patience, hopefully.”
Warwick said Harvey has a number of horses that are showing plenty of promise in New Zealand ahead of summer racing.
“We have got a few promising horses that are going at the moment. Edit just got beaten today at Tauranga and he will probably head to Melbourne Cup day (at Ellerslie) now for a 1400m maiden.
“We have got quite a nice Smart Missile three-year-old that has had two trials for two wins for Stephen McKee, which we think a fair bit of.
“The three-year-olds in New Zealand, if they look like they are up to black-type they will remain here, but if we are looking to maximise our opportunities and they look good enough to compete in Australia then that is an option.”
Meanwhile, Warwick is looking forward to watching Westbury Stud’s 34-strong draft go through the sale ring at the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale at Karaka next month.
“We have got 34 and there are half a dozen really nice horses, but if you had to hang your hat on one that we are really keen about there is a Tarzino colt (lot 34) out of Readyor, a More Than Ready mare.
“He pulled up a bit shinny (in his breeze-up) on Monday on the Good track, but he is a great looking horse and we have been very pleased with what we have seen with him leading up to the breeze-ups.
“I think he is going to make a very nice racehorse.”
