2 Nov 2016
Cambridge Stud's freshman sire Burgundy got his career off to a flying start on Tuesday when his first runner Hard Merchandize took out the Hunting & Fishing 2YO at Otaki.
The son of champion sire Redoute's Choice matched the efforts of his fellow Cambridge Stud barn mate Power, whose first New Zealand racetrack representative Gift Of Power was successful in the season's first juvenile race at Wanganui before adding the Listed Wellesley Stakes to her tally.
Hard Merchandize came into the 1000m Otaki race off the back of two trial wins, ridden on each occasion by raceday pilot Hayden Tinsley.
From the inside gate, Tinsley jumped the Burgundy gelding to the front and although briefly challenged at the turn Hard Merchandize never looked in doubt, cruising to the line 1½ lengths clear of the opposition.
Trainer Gary Vile said he didn't bother with riding instructions, leaving it to Tinsley.
"He is a professional little horse and very smart. He will have a little break now and then go on the Karaka Million if we can qualify."
Bred by Christopher Grace, Hard Merchandize was purchased by Vile for $38,000 from the Little Avondale draft at the 2016 NZ Bloodstock Select sale.
Tuesday's win earned Hard Merchandize $4375 in prizemoney, elevating him to equal sixth place on the Karaka Million order of entry.
Gift Of Power heads the list with earnings of $34,375.
Cambridge Stud stallions provided the quinella at Otaki with the Grant Searle-trained Power filly Empress Tzu His finishing second on debut. - NZ Racing Desk