I’m delighted to have young gun apprentice Sam Weatherley aboard Vitesse at Te Rapa on Sunday for the Challenge No.4 Syndicate.

I have watched his development since he had his first ride at Arawa Park in the mud on Rotorua Cup Day in May.  Craig Thornton kindly gave him that first ride and I have to say the 17 year old’s progress since then has been remarkable.  Not only does he have natural balance and ‘feel’ but he is developing his skills/technique by the week.

Mind you, I shouldn’t be surprised – dad (Darryn) was a jockey, so was grandad (Dan).  What’s more his boss is Lance O’Sullivan (12 NZ Jockey Premierships) and his riding master is Noel Harris, one of the most naturally-gifted jockeys I’ve observed in my long career in this industry.

I watched Vitesse (Makfi ex Keepa Cheval, by Keeper) gallop at the Cambridge Training Centre this morning.  Shaune Ritchie’s stable foreman Noel Waddell rode the mare and said she felt good but wasn’t suited by the rain-affected going.  The close relative of Champion galloper Mufhasa will only run on Sunday if the track is in the Good or Dead range.

A special family photo - Dan, Sam & Darryn Weatherley

Break for Sweet Leader

Below-par performances on the training track resulted in Sweet Leader’s connections not chasing Saturday’s Gr.1 Sothys NZ 2000 Guineas with the colt.

“His work wasn’t as good as we’d hoped for so we’ll bring him home to freshen up,” said Andrew Scott, who trains the three-year-old with Lance O’Sullivan.

Sweet Leader won at Taupo and Te Rapa before he finished fifth in the Listed Barneswood Farm Stakes at Ashburton last month.

“The trip just didn’t work out for him,” said Scott, whose Guineas hopes will now rest on Cha Siu Bao.

Improving colt Cha Siu Bao won’t be taking any backward steps when he steps up to a mile for the first time at Riccarton on Saturday.

There is a sense of timing about the well-related three-year-old, who will make his stakes debut in the Gr.1 Sothys NZ 2000 Guineas.

Cha Siu Bao Photo: Race Images Christchurch

“Both of his wins have been encouraging and he is a bit of the unknown horse in the race, but he warrants his position in the field and one thing we do know is that he will stay the 1600 metres,” said Andrew Scott, who prepares Cha Siu Bao with Lance O’Sullivan.

“Certainly on his dam’s side it suggests that the trip will be no problem.”

By Smart Missile, he is out of the Stravinsky mare Ballet Society, a Group Two winner up to a mile in Australia and a half-sister to the Gr.1 Kelt Capital Stakes (2000m) winner Cent Home.

Cha Siu Bao placed in both his runs last season and this term he ran fourth when resuming before back to back wins at Te Rapa and Ashburton.

“Since his Ashburton run he has improved, which he obviously needed to do to be competitive in what looks to be an even field,” Scott said.

“Lance went down to the South Island to watch him gallop on Tuesday and he was very happy with him.”

Cha Siu Bao will be ridden by Craig Grylls, who will also be aboard the stable’s Gr.3 Christchurch Casino New Zealand Cup contender Gentil Tonton in the Listed Gold Club Metropolitan Trophy.

“His work here at Matamata has been good and he will improve a bit after the race and two miles should be no problem for him,” Scott said. “He’s going into these races on an upward spiral.”

A winner up to 2400 metres, Gentil Tonton was a last-start second in the Listed Jakkalberry Classic. – NZ Racing Desk.

Leith Innes will retain the ride on Glass Slipper in the Gr.1 gavelhouse.com NZ 1000 Guineas at Riccarton.

He rode the Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott-trained filly for the first time when they finished second behind Astara in the Listed Soliloquy Stakes at Ellerslie.

Innes has good prospects of a Group One double at the New Zealand Cup carnival as he will also partner the pre-post favourite Mongolian Falcon in the Sothys NZ 2000 Guineas.

Injury forces Willie Cazals’ retirement

Willie Cazals’ brief New Zealand career has been ended by a suspensory ligament injury.

The Irish-bred galloper won the Gr.1 Livamol Classic at Hastings last time out in his fourth appearance from the Matamata stable of Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott.

“He would have suffered the injury in that race,” O’Sullivan told The Informant.  “We swam him for the first week afterwards and then the vet ran his eye over him and identified a suspensory ligament issue.

“It wasn't a major and our advice was that we could give him three or four months off and he’d be okay. But by the time he got back racing he would be 10, so we’ve done the decent thing and retired him.”

Capable stayer Gentil Tonton can force his argument for a trip south with a strong performance at Rotorua on Saturday.

He is in the mix for the Gr.3 Christchurch Casino New Zealand Cup and a decent effort in the Listed Jakkalberry Classic will be required to keep him on target for Riccarton.

Gentil Tonton Photo: Trish Dunell

“We really need him to run well to continue on that path,” said Andrew Scott, who trains the Irish-bred six-year-old with Lance O’Sullivan.

“He’s benefitted from his two runs this preparation and while he’s still on the way up, he is well enough to be competitive.”

The winner of five races up to 2400 metres, Gentil Tonton finished runner-up in last season’s Gr.3 Rotorua Cup before he was spelled.

He resumed with a fifth placing over a mile at Te Rapa and then ran eighth over ground at Hastings behind subsequent Group One performer Humidor.

“He’s a good, solid stayer and the track won’t trip him up so that won’t be an excuse,” Scott said. “He has to put in a performance to warrant going to Christchurch.”

Meanwhile, the stable will have two runners at Ashburton on Saturday with Sweet Leader in the Listed Barneswood Farm Stakes and Cha Siu Bao in the JLD Rating 65.

“Darryn Weatherley went down with them and we were talking to him yesterday morning and he was pleased with the way they have settled in,” Scott said.

Sweet Leader has won his last two starts and is currently a $6 chance in the Gr.1 Sothys New Zealand 2000 Guineas market while Cha Siu Bao is at $14.

Craig Grylls will guide the fortunes of both colts on Saturday. - NZ Racing Desk.

Trish Dunell

Willie Cazals (No 4, Craig Grylls) snatches victory off Humidor (Mark Du Plessis) in the Livamol Classic at Hastings on Saturday.

Being on course for Willie Cazals' win in the Group I Livamol Classic gave Waikato bloodstock agent Stuart Hale has greatest moment in racing.

Hale bought Willie Cazals for clients of Hong Kong trainer Tony Cruz after his second in the Derby Italiano in Rome in 2011. Willie Cazals broke down in Hong Kong and came to New Zealand to recover before joining Matamata trainers Lance O'Sullivan and Andrew Scott 12 months ago.

A carefully-designed training programme, which includes a lot of swimming, led to the 9-year-old's brilliant win in the $250,000 Livamol Classic at Hastings on Saturday.

Supplied

Stuart Hale at Hastings beside the statue depicting the racing colours of Willie Cazals.

"I was quite emotional to be honest, I screamed [for Willie Cazals] all the way up the straight," said Hale, a bloodstock for 30 years.

"I knew he had a Group I win in him but I thought it was getting a bit late [in his career]."

Hale was told about Willie Cazals when the grey raced in Italy. His record there was four wins and a second from five starts. 

When Willie Cazals finished second in the Derby Italiano, the third horse home, Danedream, was four lengths back. Danedream went on to win a big race in Germany and the famous Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in France.

Hale transacted Willie Cazals sale for NZ$1.5 million from an Italian owner to the Hong Kong buyers, Hermitage Thoroughbreds Pty Ltd. The stayer had 16 starts in Hong Kong before bowed tendons forced his retirement there. He had one win for trainer Cruz and chalked up second placings in a Group I and a Group III.

"He beat Red Cadeaux three times [in Hong Kong]," Hale said.

Willie Cazals' win in the Livamol Classic came at his fourth New Zealand start. He resumed racing after an 18-month break with a ninth in the Group II Foxbridge Plate (Te Rapa, August 13), followed by an eighth in an open 1600m (Hastings, August 27) and a third in a Listed open 1600m (Pukekohe, September 18). 

Hale said Willie Cazals had to be led to the start by the clerk of the course and jockeys had to ride him patiently early in races, otherwise he fired up and overraced.

The bloodstock agent had a good feeling about Willie Cazals before the stayer stepped on to the track on Saturday. O'Sullivan and Scott presented him in mint condition.

"He showed his international class yesterday," Hale said of Willie Cazals.

"He's got a great finish." 

Willie Cazals raced as Cazals in Italy but when arriving in Hong Kong, one of his owners changed it in memory of a friend who died.   

Hale reckoned he had sold between 30 and 40 horses to clients of Tony Cruz. The first, Coup Stravinsky, won two of six starts for Christchurch trainer Michael Pitman before Hale negotiated his sale.

Coup Stravinsky was a big winner in Hong Kong racing as Regency Horse.

Hale's biggest thrill in racing before Willie Cazals nailed the Livamol Classic was as breeder of the 1987 Melbourne Cup winner Kensei.

"I've got a wonderful clientele and Tony's my No 1 client," Hale said. 

Cruz, who is equal fourth with three others on the Hong Kong trainers' premiership this season, was unable to crack a win at Sha Tin on Saturday night. However, he managed two seconds and three thirds.

Willie Cazals’ early New Zealand showings have kept him on course for a return to Group One racing.

Trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott have seen enough in the lightly-raced grey’s two appearances to continue on a path toward the Livamol Classic at Hastings on October 1.

Willie Cazals Photo: Trish Dunell

Willie Cazals resumed off an 18-month break in the Gr.2 Foxbridge Plate and his chances weren’t helped when he missed the jump and raced keenly.

He finished ninth and was one spot better when he tackled an open mile at Hawke’s Bay, his chances not helped after being blocked for room in the straight

“His run at Te Rapa was solid enough and we were very pleased with his effort at Hastings,” said Andrew Scott, who trains the Irish-bred with Lance O’Sullivan.

“He showed us a glimpse the other day that he’s nearing form and we hope he continues on an upward spiral.”

A stakes winner in Italy and runner-up in the Gr.2 Italian Derby, Willie Cazals subsequently joined Tony Cruz’s stable in Hong Kong.

He didn’t win there, but he did finish runner-up in the Gr.1 Hong Kong Vase in a field that included international Group winners Dominant, Curren Mirotic, Empoli, Red Cadeaux, Snow Sky and Parish Hall.

“He’ll have his next run in the open mile at Pukekohe on Sunday,” Scott said, referring to the Listed Karaka Classic.

Meanwhile, stablemate Gentil Tonton will head south to Hastings for this Saturday’s open 2000 metre handicap at Hastings.

“The long-term plan with him is the New Zealand Cup,” Scott said. “He’s coming along well and the two miles won’t be a problem.”

Gentil Tonton has won up to 2400 metres and he was also Group Three-placed in last season’s Rotorua Cup. – NZ Racing Desk.

Sweet Leader will have the opportunity next week to further press his claims for a crack at an upcoming Group One feature.

Scratched from Arawa Park on Sunday due to a heavily rain-affected track, the Sothys New Zealand 2000 Guineas entry will step out at Te Rapa on Wednesday.

Sweet Leader Photo: Race Images Palmerston North

“We’ve been very pleased with the turn of foot he’s got and he wouldn’t be able to show that on heavy footing,” said Andrew Scott, who trains the O’Reilly colt with Lance O’Sullivan.

Out of a half-sister to the multiple Australian Group Two winner Le Zagaletta, Sweet Leader finished third in his only two-year-old outing behind the subsequent stakes winner Ichiban.

“It was an educational run and he was gawking around,” Scott said.

Following a break, Sweet Leader resumed with a smart performance at Taupo last month to break his maiden.

“He was still quite green in the first half of the race before he got his act together in the last half,” Scott said.

“As long as his form warrants it, he’ll continue to head toward the 2000 Guineas.”

Meanwhile, two of the stable’s leading fillies are on target for the Saturday week’s Gr.3 Hawke’s Bay Breeders’ Gold Trail Stakes at Hastings.

“Gold Rush will go there and we’re hoping to sneak Glass Slipper in as well – she was quite unlucky at Taupo the other day,” Scott said.

Although still a maiden, Glass Slipper was placed last season in the Gr.3 Eclipse Stakes while Gold Rush won the Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes during her first campaign. – NZ Racing Desk.

Young Matamata apprentice jockey San Weatherley will get a chance to catch his breath.

Weatherley has been the name on racing fan's lips recently as the youngster burst on the scene with several wins in quick succession.

His engaging personality and obvious riding talent have made him a hit with punters but they can keep their money in their wallets while he serves his first suspension.

Apprenticed to Lance O'Sullivan and Andrew Scott, he rode his first winner at a home track meeting on June 1 and has quickly reduced his 4kg claim to 3kg with a further six wins.

He hit his first speed bump at Avondale on Friday earning the wrath of judiciary with his ride on Persuasive, trained by his bosses.

Stipendiary stewards alleged Weatherley allowed Persuasive to shift in when not clear of Latin Rose which was badly hampered.

Weatherley admitted a breach of careless riding and was suspended from the conclusion of racing at Matamata on Wednesday up to and including racing on July 27, four riding days. 

July 27 is also the day Michael McNab returns to the saddle after serving a month's disqualification after pleading guilty  to a charge of misconduct.

A day earlier leading South Island Jockey Chris Johnson makes a welcome return after the Judicial Control Authority (JCA) handed down an eight week suspension for his positive cannabis test at the Rangiora trials on May 24.

The combination can earn a repeat on Wednesday.

The mare is one of seven strong rides for the jockey at his local meeting as he tries to add to his winning tally.

After Matamata, Maddee Fae was unplaced next up at Te Teko but her trainer hopes Weatherley can get her back in the winner's circle.

"The draw was dead against her at Te Teko," Griffiths said. "And she didn't handle the track but she's well and can bounce back.

"But the big fella in the last should be our best show."

Weatherley will put his 3kg claim to good use aboard Cruiseo bringing the topweight into contention with 57kg instead of his carded 60kg.

"The horse is well and he ran a good fourth last start - he's got a bit of ability," Griffiths said.

The young rider wasn't available for Griffiths' third runner on the card, Flying Fantasy, instead he rides Moneybox for Stephen Marsh and Griffiths thinks he will be very hard to beat.

"He's a good young kid," Griffiths said. "He's very obliging and he came over to Te Aroha to ride my team in work when I was short of a trackwork rider.

"He rings me after he rides for me to see how the horses have done and his claim is worth having especially on winter tracks.

"I've always given the kids a go on my horses - someone has to and they've won a lot of races for me."

Weatherley's remaining rides at Matamata are Rock Rose, Gardonne, Theia and Ms Walsburg.

Broodmare prospect Fascination Street has been sold to overseas interests.

The Elusive City mare won five races, including the Listed Rotorua Stakes, from the Matamata stable of Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott for the Adrian Cark-managed Challenge No.1 Syndicate.

Fascination Street was retired last month after finishing unplaced in the Listed Tauranga Classic and was subsequently purchased by Wairarapa-based bloodstock agent Bruce Perry on behalf of an Australian interest.

Trish Dunell

Matamata apprentice jockey Sam Weatherley is quickly making his mark among the apprentice riding ranks.

Sam Weatherley was always a good bet to make as a jockey.

The surprise is how quickly the Matamata lad has grabbed the bit.

True to script the confident 17-year-old rode his first winner in front of family and friends on his home track at the start of June.

Just four rides into his fledgling career he broke through and he kept the momentum going on Saturday at Ruakaka with his first double and followed up with a win at Te Aroha on Sunday.

His Te Aroha win on Prize Lord was also a first - the first for his mentor, former champion jockey Lance O'Sullivan who trains in partnership with Andrew Scott at Wexford Stables.

Under O'Sullivan and Scott's astute management, his 4kg claim will be put to good use through the winter. He has picked up two rides at Avondale on Wednesday and the demand will undoubtedly gather momentum.

"It's outstanding to be with Wexford - Lance is tough but fair," Weatherley said.

Already he's been noticed by another outstanding apprentice mentor, New Plymouth trainer Allan Sharrock who has booked the youngster for rides at Otaki on Friday.

Sharrock was instrumental in forging the careers of top jockeys Matthew Cameron, Michael Walker and Hong Kong phenomenon Kei Chiong among others.

Weatherley walks at 46kg but not so long ago he wondered whether he would fulfil his dream of being a jockey.

"I always wanted to be a jockey but at one stage I got a bit heavy," he said.

His weight ballooned to 60kg "but a bit of hard work helped get that off".

There's no question Weatherley has the pedigree.

He is the son of former jockey Darryn Weatherley, whose 281 wins included two on Hall of Fame galloper Rough Habit, while his grandfather Dan Weatherley's wins as a jockey included several on the great 1970s performer Kiwi Can, who was trained by Sam's great-grandfather Fred Beguely.

The Weatherley family has strong ties to Wexford Stable where Darryn is stable foreman and Sam's mother Louise is personal assistant to the training partners.

His parents are extremely proud of their son's early success but mum is a nervous wreck every time he goes out on a horse.

"I'm having trouble getting my head around it at the moment," she said. "But I'm very proud of him and I'll learn to enjoy it one day - it'll take time."

His father is slightly more pragmatic.

"The kid would not be where he is without Lance teaching him," he said. "We can't emphasise enough how much Sam has learnt in such a short time from Lance and Andrew."

Sam, a gun golfer at school winning a gold medal at the AIMS Games while at Matamata Intermediate, is happy to swap the golf course for the winning buzz of the race track.

"I'm happy doing what I love," he said.