Written by Paul Vettise
The waiting tactics employed with the expensive colt Dragon Leap (Pierro) paid off at Te Rapa when the 3-year-old produced an impressive performance to triumph on debut with co-trainer Lance O’Sullivan bullish about his future prospects over ground.
Dragon Leap had an awkward draw to contend with in the Melbourne Cup At Te Rapa Maiden on Monday and was in the last trio with 800 metres to run.
Rider Craig Grylls angled him wide at the top of the straight and he rounded off powerfully for the perfect start to his career and for owners Hermitage Thoroughbreds.
“The owners have been very patient with this horse, as they are with all the horses we purchase for them,” co-trainer Lance O’Sullivan said. “Hopefully, they will be rewarded in the long term.
“If he’s good enough he’ll go to Hong Kong and one day run in the Derby, that’s what he was bought for.”
“If he’s good enough he’ll go to Hong Kong and one day run in the Derby, that’s what he was bought for.” – Lance O’Sullivan
In the meantime, there is a possibility that the G1 New Zealand Derby could be on his program next year.
“We’re a long way off a race like that at this stage, bit we’ll see what happens.”
Bred by Greg Ingham, Dragon Leap was part of the Coolmore draft at the Inglis Sydney Easter Yearling Sale and was purchased for $1.05 million by Hemitage Thoroughbreds, Wexford Stables and Andrew Williams Bloodstock.
Dragon Leap as a yearling
He is a half-brother to the G1 Randwick Guineas winner and G1 Rosehill Guineas runner-up Inference (So You Think {NZ}) and their dam is the multiple winner and Group 2 performer Pontiana (Redoute’s Choice).
She is a sister to the Listed Crawford S. winner Grand Jardin and the immediate family of the G3 Glenlogan Park S. winner Kanzan (Commands), who produced the G3 Carbine Club S. winner Rainier (Lonhro).
Dragon Leap trialled as a 2-year-old last season before he was turned out and there was confidence in his prospects at Te Rapa.
Watch: Dragon Leap trial in red and white stripe silks
“He’s had five trials, and quiet ones to be fair to the horse. His work leading in to this was good as well, but the further he goes the better he will be,” said O’Sullivan, who trains in partnership with Andrew Scott.
“His work leading in to this was good as well, but the further he goes the better he will be.” – Lance O’Sullivan
Grylls has ridden the colt three times at the trials and he too expected a bold showing.
“He’s showed us a lot at home and he’s got the goods. He’s a big horse with a long stride and he’s got the best attitude, he’s so relaxed,” he said.
Hermitage, O’Sullivan and Scott and Grylls have previously enjoyed top level success with Willie Cazals (Ire) (Aussie Rules {USA}), who won the G1 Livamol Classic in 2016.
Snitzel’s son Summer Passage was another success story for the owners and trainers. He won the G1 Diamond S., in the hands of Blake Shinn, before finishing runner-up in the G1 ATC Sires’ Produce S. and his subsequent retirement to Mapperley Stud.
