9 Nov 2023Potential G1 New Zealand Derby hope Balance Of Power hasn’t wasted any time in striking as a three-year-old.
Off the back of a bold resuming run for fourth at Taupo, the son of Almanzor successfully returned there to open his winning account over 1400 metres in the hands of Opie Bosson for trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson.
Balance Of Power drifted back to second last after jumping from the outside barrier before he was urged forward 700 metres from home.
He was the widest runner on the turn and finished off stylishly to win with a good degree of authority.
“He’s just starting to mature now and he’s only going to keep getting better with age, as all the stock of Almanzor do,” Walker said.
“It was good to see him win over 1400 metres because he’s bred to get a lot further in distance.
“He had to do it tough from the wide barrier draw and I think he’s a got a good future when we get him to a mile and beyond.”
Walker is a fan of our shuttle stallion and believes Balance Of Power will continue to develop.
“We’ve always loved the stock of Almanzor and you just know they’re going to keep maturing, getting stronger, and improving as older horses,” he said.
“We’re really looking forward to the progress of this horse as he steps in distance, perhaps even the Derby.”
We bred Balance Of Power and remained in the ownership group after he was knocked down to Te Akau chief David Ellis for $300,000 at Karaka.
Runner-up in last seasons Listed Challenge Stakes and fifth in the G2 Eclipse Stakes, he is the first foal of the Listed Inglewood Stakes winner Respin.
Earlier this year, her So You Think colt was purchased by multiple Group 1-winning Mornington trainer Shane Nichols for $275,000 and the mare has since produced a son and a daughter of Almanzor.