Harvey Wallbanger (NZ)
The Tony Pike-trained Harvey Wallbanger (Home Affairs) signalled he could be in for an exciting future when he scored an impressive debut victory at Ellerslie last Saturday.
Ridden by Jasmine Fawcett, the colt kicked clear in the closing stages of the race to win by 3.5 lengths over favourite Sword Of Stars (Sword Of State), with Parfait Dimanche (Anders) a further 2.5 lengths behind in third.
“It was a smart ride by Jasmine as he is not brilliant out the barriers,” Pike said.
“She was caught three-wide early when they eased the tempo and it was very smart to go and sit outside the leader.
“He’s done it very comfortably, a little bit new and green when he hit the front, but I think he has plenty of upside as he isn’t a big horse but has a very big action.
“Unfortunately, he is not Karaka Million qualified as he is a homebred from Wentwood Grange but congratulations to them as he is the first foal out of their smart mare Mai Tai.”
Harvey Wallbanger is bred and raced by Llanhennock Trust and he is out of Listed-winning Atlante (Fastnet Rock) mare Mai Tai, herself a daughter of the stakes-placed winner Tropical Punch (Faltaat).
The victory handed Coolmore’s exciting young stallion his first winner. He is commanding a fee of $82,500 (inc GST) this year.