Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images)
Cambridge conditioner Andrew Forsman had been looking for a memorable return over the weekend with runners in feature events at Waverley and Rotorua, along with progressive filly Simply Red who was in Australia to contest the Listed Gold Coast Bracelet (1800m) at the Gold Coast later in the day.
Things fell into place nicely in New Zealand with a winning double for loyal stable clients the Carter family, under their Jomara Bloodstock banner, as Mr Mojo Risin’ took out the main race at Waverley, the Treadwell Gordon (1400m), followed closely by Pacifico (Ardrossan) slugging his way to victory in the Listed Campbell Infrastructure Rotorua Cup (2200m) at Arawa Park.
Forsman had admitted prior to the staying feature that he had some doubts that Pacifico was suited to a tough 2200m on what was a very holding Heavy9 surface, but the son of Waikato Stud stallion Ardrossan proved him wrong with a pugnacious display to fight off Savoir Fare and claim his first success at stakes level.
Rider George Rooke allowed the five-year-old to move forward from a wide barrier and took over pace making duties shortly after leaving the home straight the first time before quickly handing up to Blue Sky At Night and settling in the trail.
Proceedings began to heat up quickly as outsider Awhina looped the field to take over at the 500m, with the well supported Savoir Faire and Pacifico forced to chase hard after her.
The pair claimed Awhina shortly after straightening and went blow for blow down the home straight before Pacifico drew clear in the shadows of the post to win by half a length, with Proboy also running on resolutely to grab third.
Forsman was sporting a wide grin when questioned about the performance after the race.
“He is a neat horse and just so honest,” he said. “I wasn’t sure if he was going to run a strong 2200m on what is a very holding track, but it was a gutsy effort and a great ride from George.
“I was surprised there wasn’t that much pressure early as he got across (to the lead) by default.
“He had a soft time of it down the back (straight) on the fence and I think that proved the winning of the race.
“He is a horse that keeps surprising, keeps stepping up and is getting better and better with age.
“Now this horse has won over ground it opens up a lot more options for him.
“Mark and John (Carter) are such huge supporters of the stable and it is a pleasure to train for them.
“Mr Mojo Risin’ also won down the line.”
Rooke was confident he was on a winning chance despite have a few anxious moments when Awhina put the pressure on approaching the home turn.
“He has good early gate speed and I was worried I was going quicker than I would have liked, but we ended up in a lovely position,” he said.
“We got a good breather down the back, but it was a weird race to ride as I panicked a little at the 800m, but then I saw Michael (McNab on Savoir Faire) travelling as well as we were and as he was the one to beat, I thought I was in a good place.
“It was a good battle down the straight with a few bumps here and there and I think he (Pacifico) thrived on it.
“He will get further if everything goes right and he is going to be a nice horse.”
Bred by the Carters, Pacifico is out of their Montjeu mare Carib and comes from an extended family that includes multiple New Zealand Group Two winner (My) Tusker.
He has now won seven of his 26 starts and a touch under $250,000 in prizemoney.
