Kia Ora Stud’s good day continued as their sponsorship of the G2 Hobartville Stakes came home to roost when their stallion Farnan sired the winner with Michael Freedman-trained 3-year-old gelding Ninja. Ridden by Tommy Berry, Ninja stalked the leader Shangri La Boy (Pierro) and bolted away from the turn to win by 1.4 lengths. In second was John O’Shea and Tom Charlton-trained colt Napoleonic (Wootton Bassett {GB}) with third going to Chris Waller-trained Autumn Boy (The Autumn Sun).
“Good to see him come back and do that. It was obviously his biggest test I think. The Magic Millions Guineas was a disappointment but I was more interested in how he was going to measure up against the really good 3yos down here. Job done,” Freedman said.
Ninja won the G3 Vo Rogue Plate in January, before running second in the R.Listed Magic Millions Guineas to Torque To Be Sure (Shamus Award). He took his record to four wins from seven starts and over $1 million.
“He’s a naturally aerobic type of horse. He does things pretty comfortably. … I’ll see how he pulls up. The (Randwick Guineas) would probably be the most logical way to go. I’d just like to see him tomorrow, see how he’s come through today’s run. Wouldn’t bother me at all putting him out because he’s an exciting horse for the future. If he pulls up well, against his own age group, why wouldn’t you.”
Connections of Ninja after winning the G2 Hobartville Stakes | Image courtesy of Georgia Young Photography
Sales: Sold by Segenhoe Stud at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for $380,000 to MyRacehorse, Michael Freedman Racing and partners.
Pedigree: One of four stakes winner for second season sire and G1 Golden Slipper winner Farnan, Ninja is one of three winners for beautifully bred winning mare Impulsive (So You Think {NZ}).
Impulsive is a daughter of Group 3 winner Procrastinate (Jade Hunter {USA}), dam of four stakes winners including Group 1 winner Laisserfaire (Danehill {USA}). This is also the family of recently deceased sire and Group 2 winner Sejardan, and Group 1 Victoria Oaks winner Personal (Fastnet Rock).
Article c/o TTR, written by Renee Geelen
