Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images)
Taking everything in his stride, Affirmative Action (3 g Yes Yes Yes – Search Approach, by Dawn Approach) won the $75,000 Show By SkyCity 3YO 1400 metres on Melbourne Cup Day (4 Nov.) at Ellerslie.
Ballymore Racing trainer Pam Gerard had always shared a positive opinion of the horse and after running home well for third on debut over 1100 metres in August at Taupo, he overcame the outside gate (13) to win the Sir Colin Meads Trophy (Listed, 1200m) on 6 September at Ellerslie.
Although 59 days since previously racing, Affirmative Action looked good in an exhibition gallop on the course between races on 18 October, and Gerard was quietly confident his condition was thereabouts for the final lead-up to the 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) on Saturday 15 November at Riccarton.
“He hasn’t raced for a while, given a few meetings being interrupted, but 11 days is a known interval that has worked before for horses going from the Sarten Memorial into the Guineas, so we’re working on that assumption,” she said.
Ridden again by George Rooke, who was aboard in the Sir Colin Meads Trophy (Listed, 1200m), Affirmative Action began smartly before settling comfortably in second, jogged up ominously at the 300m, and lengthened to a winning advantage when asked to extend.
It was an unfussed performance, reflecting the manner in which he paraded, raced, and found the line.
“Pam sort of left it to me, today, but, ideally, down at Riccarton, there will more runners, I can take more of sit and think he will be even better,” Rooke said.
“He loves a chase, there was a lot against him today, and he still won. He’s a very nice horse, how he does things, how he relaxes, how he travels, and thanks to Pam for letting me ride him.
“I’m very excited, he likes the quick ground and I think he’ll like it even quicker as well.”
On Good4 footing, he ran 1400 metres in 1:24.7, last 600m in 34.0, and paid $4.10 & $1.70 on the NZ TAB tote.
Following the win, Gerard said she was relieved, while being nervous for the next one, referring to the $700,000 Al Basti Equiworld New Zealand 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) on Saturday 15 November at Riccarton, a race she won last year with subsequent Champion Three-Year-Old Savaglee (Savabeel).
“He didn’t do it (winning) easily today, but he did what he had to do and there is still plenty of improvement,” Gerard said.
“I thought he did it okay and I thought the second horse (Faultless) was very brave.
“It’s always exciting and its home country down there (Canterbury), so we’re always hoping to get at least one down there for Cup Week. It gives you a spark, coming out of winter, and always something to look forward to.
“With (former training parter) Mike (Moroney), he knew how to get them going early, so I must have learnt something from him as a mentor.
“Savaglee was very nippy and full of character, but this fella is like a sleeping lion, really, and you never quite know what is going to come out. But he seems to get to race day and be the true professional.
“He’s big and rangy and will just take natural improvement and I think he’ll tighten up to look very fit.
“Every horse is different, Savaglee just loved a trip, but I think Affirmative Action is doing everything right to fly down there and be in good order.
“The track (Ellerslie) is quite tactical, whereas Riccarton is totally different, but if he jumps out and relaxes that will be a huge bonus. I think he’s a better chaser and he’ll certainly be able to do that at Riccarton, if he can handle the crowds and atmosphere on the day.”
Purchased for $115,000 at the Karaka 2024 Book 2 Sale, from the draft of Wentwood Grange, by Ballymore Racing, Paul Moroney Bloodstock, and Catherine Bruggeman, Affirmative Action is owned by Kariba Racing Pty Ltd, whose white and red colours he carries, Ballymore Racing NZ Ltd, W N Campbell, D G Devonport, Enough Is Enough Syndicate, V J Gregan, I H & M Harrison, B Taylor & G Webb.
By Australian Champion Three-Year-Colt and $13m Everest (1200m) winner Yes Yes Yes (Rubick), Affirmative Action is the first foal out of Search Approach, in turn from Tale of the Cat (Storm Cat) mare Search The Stars, who left five individual winners of 20 races.
Affirmative Action was strapped by Dalpat Singh.