Devastate (NZ) All the Way in Wellington Stakes

Just a few days after the launch of the Karaka 2023 catalogue, Thursday’s $80,000 Group Three Elsdon Park Wellington Stakes (1600m) at Otaki delivered a fitting result for New Zealand Bloodstock – it was won by a graduate of Karaka 2021, who also has a half-brother set to go through the ring in January.

The convincing all-the-way winner was Devastate (NZ) (Vadamos), who was a $160,000 purchase by Bruce Perry from the Book 1 draft of Carlaw Park two years ago. The Andrew Forsman-trained gelding has now won three of his four starts and $74,170 in stakes, with the promise of much more ahead.

A close second on debut at this same venue in late September, Devastate has a perfect three-from-three record in his three starts since. He scored a convincing maiden win at Matamata on October 29, then scored again at Tauranga two weeks later, and on Thursday he stepped up to stakes level and delivered the same result.

Ridden by visiting Irish jockey Joe Doyle, Devastate controlled the race from the front and had plenty up his sleeve when he was challenged at the top of the straight.

Stakes-winning filly Sheez Dominant (NZ) (Vanbrugh) loomed up alongside him in a threatening move, but Devastate produced an emphatic response. He shook her off and pulled clear again down the straight, crossing the finish line with a length and a half to spare. Sheez Dominant was second, with Pennyweka (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) third.

“There was no tempo in the race and we always thought we would be right up on the pace,” Forsman said. “It wasn’t going to be ideal, but he was good enough to get away with it.

“We’ll get him home and give him two weeks in the paddock and then get him ready for the Karaka Million (1600m) fresh-up. After that, we’ll go to the Guineas races and then hopefully on to the Derby (2400m).”

Thursday’s victory was the first New Zealand Group winner for Doyle.

“It’s fantastic,” the 26-year-old said. “All credit to Andrew Forsman and his team – I was on much the best horse in the race.

“Credit to the horse. He went out and did it the hard way by making the running. Andrew just said not to fight him and he picked up all the way to the line. When we turned for home, I felt them getting close, but I had so much horse underneath me. I never really thought I would get beaten.”

Devastate is raced by a syndicate of owners that includes Jamieson Park, and the exciting galloper races in their white, red and navy blue colours.

Jamieson Park will offer Devastate’s half-brother at Karaka 2023. The colt by premiership-leading sire Proisir will be offered as Lot 415 during the Book 1 session.

Vendor	Carlaw Park
Purchaser	Bruce Perry Bloodstock (BAFNZ)
Breeding	Vadamos – Passion Cut
Sale	Lot 25, Karaka 2021 Book 1, $160,000
Bred by	Sir Patrick & Lady Hogan