13 Dec 2015
Werther became the first Hong Kong winner (from just two runners) for his sire Tavistock last evening with a totally-dominant victory over 1600m.
Hugh Bowman rode the four-year-old, positioning him perfectly in fourth, then fifth position. He angled out at the top of the straight, pounced on the leader and raced away to score by a length-and-a-half.
Werther arrived in Hong Kong with a big reputation having won at Group Two level in Australia and New Zealand at three years, plus he was placed second twice at Group One level - in the South Australian Derby and the Queensland Derby.
Yesterday saw another star performer by Tavistock claim victory - his fifth from as many starts - and it happened on the local front at Ellerslie.
Hasselhoof was having his first run in three months when successful in a 1400m event and again he was dominant.
Hasselhoof has been patiently handled by trainers Donna Logan and Chris Gibbs and his continued progress during the summer and autumn will be watched with interest.
Werther and Hasselhoof are two of six individual winners for Tavistock in the last week; here is a note of the other four winners plus the placed horses by the sire during this short period...
* Ana - winner at 2200m
* Arpeggio - winner at 1200m
* Sweet Melody - winner at 1200m
* Golden Coin - winner at 1400m
* Tavy - LR-placed
* Imperial Lass - LR-placed
* Infantry - placed
* Anacott Steel - placed
* Southern Dancer - placed
* Pacorus - placed
* Howland - placed
Tavy and Imperial Lass, both already black type winners by Tavistock, were placed at Listed Race-level in the last week. Tavy's effort for second in the Listed J Swap Contractors Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa on Saturday was eye-catching. The mare was last on the home turn and scorched home for her placing behind the well-performed Natuzzi.
Imperial Lass, trained by Peter Moody, was third yesterday in the 2600m Werribee Cup-LR.