Trainer Annabel Neasham has been pleased with the progress of Mo’unga (NZ) (Savabeel) ahead of the Gr.1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Sandown on Sunday.
The Savabeel entire ran third last start in the Gr.1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) to fellow Kiwi-bred I’m Thunderstruck after tailing the field home in the Gr.1 Winx Stakes (1400m) first-up.
Neasham said he has improved with every run and she is looking forward to stepping him up over 1800m this weekend.
“First-up, nothing really went to plan in the Winx Stakes but we saw a much better performance in the Makybe Diva and it was a run that suggested he is going to be suited going further than a mile this time in,” Neasham told RSN.
“Mo’unga galloped with Zaaki this morning. Bar any huge amount of rain, he will run on Sunday.
“We have got Nash Rawiller booked to ride him. He looks terrific. He is never as flash a workhorse as Zaaki but he saves himself for raceday.”
Mo’unga was purchased by Aquis for $325,000 out of Waikato Stud’s 2019 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft.
He has gone on to win five of his 18 starts, including the Gr.1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m), Gr.1 Winx Stakes (1400m) and Listed Dulcify Stakes (1500m).
He now sports the colours of Newhaven Park where the five-year-old will retire to stand at stud following his racing career.
