Danroad Brilliant in New Zealand Return

Saturday, 24 August 2002 00:00

Cambridge colt Danroad threw down the gauntlet to his fellow three-year-olds with a brilliant first-up win at Hastings today.

Punters who installed the Danehill colt a hot favourite in the Curraghmore Stud Premier had an early scare when he jumped sideways at the start. But he was quickly into stride and led after 200 metres.

"He was doing handstands with 500 metres to run," said successful jockey Andrew Calder, "and it was easy after that."

Danroad strode to the finish a length-and-a-half clear of Jack the Stripper, with further gaps to Crown Control and Jahan.

The 1200 metres on a track officially described as easy was run in a respectable 1:11.85. Danroad, whose two-year-old season was curtailed by wet tracks, appeared comfortable in his action, with the proviso that he was never off the bit.

Provided the ground is reasonable, the leggy colt will race next in the Hawke's Bay Guineas on September 14 on his way to his major early season mission, the New Zealand Two Thousand Guineas.

Media Release - TNZ