Xtravagant (NZ) Lives up to Expectations in Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes

Even in a particularly strong renewal of Saturday’s $70,000 Group 3 Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) at Te Rapa, the dual Group 1 winner Xtravagant (NZ) (Pentire) was expected to be too good. He lived up to those expectations.

Ridden by Matt Cameron, the valuable colt found himself in the unusual position of sitting in behind the leaders as a flurry of runners went forward in search of the lead. He was unfazed by the change in racing pattern, relaxing and settling into a smooth rhythm. In the straight he rushed to the lead and powered clear, winning by two and three-quarter lengths.

“We all know how good he is,” co-trainer Stephen Autridge said. “He’s the best we’ve got at the moment.

“Today they took us on in front. We had a feeling they were going to do that, so we thought today was going to be the day to change plans and see how he went sitting in behind the leaders. It worked out great.”

A full-brother to the Group 1 performer and young sire He’s Remarkable (NZ), Xtravagant was bred by Rich Hill Ltd who also bred this season’s Melbourne Cup winner Prince Of Penzance (NZ) (Pentire).

Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis paid $375,000 for Xtravagant at the 2014 Premier Yearling Sale. He has now won six of his 10 starts, including the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas and NRM Sprint, and earned more than $480,000. He is worth many times more than that as a stallion prospect.

Runner-up First Serve (NZ) (Swiss Ace) cost Michael Pitman just $6,000 at the 2014 Festival Sale. She has now had three starts for two wins and a stakes placing, earning $34,000 in prize-money.

The third placegetter Volks Lightning (NZ) (Volksraad) is also a Karaka graduate, bought for $60,000 by Vermair Racing at the 2014 Ready to Run Sale.