Waikato Stud and Wexford Stables have furthered their representation in the NZB Kiwi (1500m), with slot holder Waikato Thoroughbred Racing announcing their filly Sethito (NZ) (Super Seth) as their contender for the $3.5 million feature.
Bred and raced by leading thoroughbred nursery Waikato Stud, Sethito has made an impact on the track for Wexford trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott this term, winning two and placing in two of her five starts, including victory in the Gr.3 Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m) and runner-up in the Gr.2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m), both run at Ellerslie.
The Matamata operations were already represented in the NZB Kiwi by Sought After, who fills Waikato Stud’s slot, while Wexford’s NZB Kiwi contingent now sits at three, with stablemate Checkmate recently announced as their contender.
Waikato Thoroughbred Racing chief executive Andrew Castles said it is great to be associated with two high-class operations, and to have secured a quality filly in Sethito as their NZB Kiwi representative.
“Waikato Stud are a sponsor of Waikato Thoroughbred Racing,” Castles said. “They have got a proven history of breeding and racing some great horses, so it is wonderful to be able to do a deal and link with Waikato Stud and Garry Chittick.
“Wexford have got a wonderful team of three-year-olds this year. They seem to have the whole team flying. It’s an extremely exciting time for them to have many irons in the fire and we are delighted that we have got a high-class filly racing for our members.”
Castles said Waikato Thoroughbred Racing took an analytical approach in making their slot decision, and they are hoping that Sethito’s liking for Ellerslie continues, with the race set to be staged at the Auckland venue on March 8.
“She has raced well, and the application of blinkers have made a huge difference,” he said. “We have had a form analyst, Gary Cossey, helping us, and her performances have been first rate. Her form around Ellerslie was certainly a big determinant in our decision.
“We are delighted to partner with her into the race.”
Sethito is set to have one more run ahead of the NZB Kiwi, with Waikato Thoroughbred Racing planning to put on a function for its members in the lead-up to the race.
“She will have one more run and I suspect, like many of the NZB Kiwi protagonists, that will be in that 1400m race for three-year-olds (Listed Trevor & Coralie Eagle Uncle Remus Stakes) at Ellerslie on the 22nd of February,” Castles said.
“We are planning a member’s function on the Thursday before the race here at Te Rapa. We will do a preview and focus on Sethito and her pathway towards the NZB Kiwi. We will have those involved with her joining us and we are going to get our members along for the ride.
“It is going to be exciting, and it is going to be a fantastic day’s racing, not just the NZB Kiwi, but all the other wonderful racing on the card, and we are just delighted to be a small part of it.”
While excited to have another runner in the NZB Kiwi, Waikato Stud’s attention is currently focussed on the New Zealand Bloodstock Yearling Sales this week where they are offering a 50-strong Book 1 draft, including lot 337, a Savabeel half-brother to Sethito.