15 Apr 2023The powerful Te Akau operation already has hopes the Mark Walker-trained What You Wish For can match the racing highlight of his sire. He is by our exciting stallion Embellish, who was victorious in the G1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas and his youngster took an early winning step toward Riccarton with an effortless victory over 1300 metres at Hastings.
“He’s a beautiful animal with a big heart and he’s going to grow into a lovely three-year-old,” Te Akau Racing Manager Reece Trumper said.
“What he’s doing now is a bonus. He looks like he will be a 2000 Guineas horse for the team.”
What You Wish For finished runner-up on debut at Matamata where he was hampered at the top of the straight before rounding off strongly.
At Hastings, he bounded straight to the front under Craig Grylls and forged clear with ease in the run home to win by 1.3l.
“He began well and gave a good kick at the top of the straight. He’s got a ton of ability and is still learning his craft,” Grylls said.
What You Wish For was purchased out of our Karaka draft for $60,000 by Te Akau’s David Ellis, who earlier this year went to $190,000 for the half-sister by Savabeel.
Their dam Grand Wish, who had an Almanzor colt last year and is in foal to Sword Of State, is a half-sister to the G1 Galaxy Handicap winner Griante with the G1 Western Australian Derby winner Grand Journey also on the pedigree page.
From just a handful of runners to date, What You Wish For is Embellish’s second winner with our own Luberon his first and she is also a black-type performer following her effort for third in the Listed Challenge Stakes while Talisker was runner-up in the G2 Eclipse Stakes.