Harvard (No 3 saddle cloth)
Lightly raced Harvard secured the second win of his four-start career when saluting at Churchill Downs for WinStar Farm and China Horse Club last Friday. Within 24 hours that achievement was enhanced when China Horse Club affiliated runners ran second and third in the AUD1,000,000 G1 JJ Atkins Stakes at Eagle Farm (Australia).
Harvard, a regally bred son of Pioneer of the Nile, lifted his record to two wins and two placings from only four starts to earn a potential tilt at stakes company.
“That was a good tough win from Harvard,” said Michael Wallace, Chief Operating Officer for China Horse Club.
“He jumped awkwardly to his inside but recovered to take up the running leaving the straight. First quarter was 23.2 secs but he got a breather down the backside.
“[Harvard] kicked for home at the 3 pole (600m mark) and looked beaten at the top of the lane but really dug in and win actually going away the last 50 yards.
“There is a lot to like from the performance and we will likely look at the G3 Indiana Derby in July as a next option but will see how he is over the next week first before confirming his target.”
While celebrations were still warm a pair of juveniles associated with China Horse Club showered themselves in glory when game and gritty in the G1 JJ Atkins Stakes.
CHC homebred, Giannis, the product of a mating between Flying Artie and quality mare Palace Rock, stormed home for second in the final juvenile G1 for the season, touching out Tiger of Malay (Extreme Choice) who races for the China Horse Club/Newgate Farm syndicate.
“CHC Australia’s breeding and racing programme is going from strength of strength,” said Michael Smith, CHC Australia’s representative.
“The placings of Giannis and Tiger of Malay again highlighted the qualities of young stallions Flying Artie and Extreme Choice who we are invested in and big believers in. And Giannis carries the ‘CHC’ brand.
“When you include this duo with Stay Inside (1st G1 Golden Slipper), Captivant (1st G1 Champagne Stakes), Artorius (1st G1 Blue Diamond Stakes), Wild Ruler (1st G2 Arrowfield 3YO Sprint), Paths of Glory (3rd AUD1.2mil Sky Racing Q22), millionaires Prime Star and Dame Giselle and promising types like In The Congo and King High, the spring looks exceedingly exciting for China Horse Club and its partners.”
If you would like to learn more about the China Horse Club exclusive membership offer, please email your inquiry to horses@chinahorseclub.com.