Tavistock’s son top staying prospect

Bright staying prospect War Of Succession furthered his record at Ellerslie with a strong winning performance over 2100 metres.

Our former high-priced yearling has had to be patiently handled by trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson and they are now reaping the rewards from the highly regarded son of Tavistock.

The four-year-old had been a second-up winner on the course over 1600 meters at his previous appearance and handled the step up to a middle distance with aplomb.

War Of Succession settled in midfield before apprentice Hayley Hassman urged him forward near the turn and proved superior in the run home for his third victory from eight appearances.

“It was another really good win and a lovely ride from Hayley,” Walker said.

“She got him into a perfect spot, off the fence at the right time, and got to the right part of the track turning for home. She’s riding very well.

“We’re very thankful for the patience of the owners. He’s just had a few niggles and maturity problems, but he’s starting to put it altogether now.”

We offered War Of Succession at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale at Karaka where he was knocked down to Te Akau’s David Ellis for $500,000.

He is out of the Zabeel mare Ziffel, who is in foal to Sword Of State, and she’s a half-sister to the G2 Silver Slipper Stakes winner Amelia’s Dream with their dam the stakes winner Shalt Not.

Also featuring on the pedigree is our homebred and raced About Time, successful on five occasions including the G2 Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes, and the multiple Group 1 placegetter Young Werther.

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