NZ Derby Winner for Stryker

The foundation sire at Three Bridges Thoroughbreds in Victoria, young Fastnet Rock stallion Stryker kicked a big goal on Saturday at Ellerslie when siring his very first Group I winner with his exciting three year-old Rangipo scoring a typically hard fought victory in the Group I New Zealand Derby.

 

A serial thriller, who never wins by much, Rangipo saved his best for last when he closed out a remarkable campaign with a thrilling victory in the Derby over 2400 metres.

It was the seventh success of his three-year-old preparation, which featured Group II wins in the Great Northern, Waikato and Avondale Guineas and a Group I placing in the Levin Classic in the lead-up to Saturday’s classic triumph.

“It’s a great thrill – it’s one of the classics and I’ve won a 2000 Guineas (Sacred Falls), an Oaks (More Than Sacred) and now the Derby so I’ve got the treble,” said winning trainer Tony Pike.

“It’s such a hard race to win and you’ve got to keep them sound while giving them a fair bit of racing.”

While it was a first Derby for Pike, Rangipo credited his regular rider Vinnie Colgan with his sixth after past wins with Roysyn (1995), Zonda (1997), Hades (1999), Redoute’s Dancer (2007) and Habibi (2013).

Colgan kept the gelding within easy reach of the pace and, as has been a trademark of his performances, he hit the front in the run home and wasn’t to be denied.

“I had to use him a bit early, but I knew I had to do that to get where I wanted to be and once we got a position he switched off and travelled well,” Colgan said.

“He was off the bridle a bit on the turn and I was worried, but he really showed his determination and he just keeps going.”

Rangipo is the first horse Pike has trained for prominent owners John and Margaret Thompson, who bred the son of Australian based Fastnet Rock sire Stryker, the foundation stallion for Three Bridges Thoroughbreds in Victoria.

Rangipo has won seven of 12 starts earning $684,570 in prizemoney and is the first foal of minor winning Zabeel mare Holloway, a sibling to Group II winner Maze and stakes-winners Barlinnie and Penitentiary.

He is the first Group I winner for blue-blooded Fastnet Rock son Stryker, who comes from the great Denise’s Joy family that has also produced ill-fated champion New Zealand sire Thorn Park.

His oldest progeny are three year-olds ad also include the speedy stakes-winner Strykum and stakes-placed fillies Miss Nymeria, She is Stryking and Miss Loren as well as metro winners such as Labdien, Metier, Andrioli and Mr Markou.

Stryker has five entries for the upcoming 2016 Magic Millions Yearling Sale in Adelaide.