Cover image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
Written By Jackson Frantz
Aegon (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}) has announced himself as a star Australasian 3-year-old with a dominant display to thump his rivals in the G2 Hobartville S.
Leading jockey Hugh Bowman ensured that the Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained galloper’s unbeaten record remained intact with a cool ride to make it five on the bounce for the gelding.
Bowman was full of praise for his mount post-race, describing the progressive type as having the world at his feet after dismantling a field comprised of highly-credentialled types.
“He didn’t jump particularly well. He was standing well, but he just missed it slightly. It didn’t affect my position from a good draw,” Bowman said.
“Mid-race he was just in such a good rhythm. It was the sort of rhythm you can see him stepping up to a higher class.”
Co-trainer Andrew Forsman was always confident that his stable star had the ability to win, despite dropping back in trip from a mile.
He described the victory of Aegon and fellow local Probabeel (NZ) (Savabeel) in the G1 Futurity S. at Caulfield as a much-needed boost for the local industry.
“He just needed that split and thankfully he got it, because he is a horse who can be held up and sprint off a short run,” Forsman said.
“He (Aegon) just needed that split and thankfully he got it, because he is a horse who can be held up and sprint off a short run.” – Andrew Forsman
Bowman said the G1 Randwick Guineas is the obvious next step for the gelding, but declined to comment on potential G1 Rosehill Guineas or G1 Doncaster Mile tilts.
“He won’t have any issue with that (Randwick Guineas), but there’s no need to decide beyond that at this point.
“We will just enjoy the win and see how he pulls up. I’m not going to interfere with his preparation, I just step on him when he comes to the races.”
COVID-19 restrictions prevented Baker or Forsman from being on-hand in Sydney, with Forsman watching on apprehensively from New Zealand.
“It was a real buzz. To see him win like that was very special,” part-owner Forsman said. “I was quite apprehensive and then watching the way the track was playing my confidence was drained a little bit.
“Hugh had him in a beautiful rhythm and that was the key to it. He just needed that split and thankfully he got it.
"The Randwick Guineas is the immediate target and we won’t make any decision as to where he goes until after that.’’
The Team Hawkes-trained North Pacific (Brazen Beau) came on gamely to take second money off Prime Star (Starspangledbanner) with the favourite Peltzer (So You Think {NZ}) fourth after having his chance.
