Flashy chestnut Overstayer (NZ) (Zed) broke maiden ranks at Te Rapa on Thursday when successful over 1600m.
The Sue Thompson and Mick Brown-trained son of Zed might be six, but the patiently-handled gelding looks to have a bright future, particularly as he gets over a staying trip.
The son of Zed had caught the eye over 1300m at Taupo two starts back and again ran with credit when fifth behind Sweet Anna at Te Rapa.
“It was very good to get the monkey off the back and now we can get ready for the Rating 65 over 2100m at Hastings on the third day of the Hawke’s Bay Carnival,” Thompson said.
“He needed time but he was also a bit of a naughty horse. We have always thought he would be a stayer but with COVID-19 it was difficult to program anything.”
Prior to his maiden win, Overstayer had finished runner-up in three of his seven starts.
“Last year we were going to step him up over ground and then he went shin sore and he also got a splint,” Thompson said.
“That’s why we hadn’t raced him again and then COVID-19 arrived.
“He had never had any pressure put on him as a two or three-year-old. He had always been big but very weak.
“We are pretty confident he will make a nice stayer.”