Karaka Graduate Batman (NZ) Wins Mosgiel Stakes

Under-rated sprinter Batman (NZ) (Falkirk) picked up the biggest win of his career when he took out the $50,000 Listed BP2Go Alco Mosgiel Stakes (1200m) at Wingatui on Boxing Day.

Previously stakes-placed in the Group 2 Wellington Guineas (1500m), Group 3 Stewards’ Stakes (1200m) and Listed Wanganui Guineas (1340m), Batman got a deserved black-type reward in the Dunedin sprint feature as Kylie Williams brought him home by a head over Signify (NZ) (Perfectly Ready). Madam Bentley (NZ) (Edenwold) finished two and a quarter lengths away in third.

Trained by Neill Ridley at Riccarton Park for owners Sam Lennox, Lorraine Reardon, Steve Ridley, Kieran and Ed Corby, Batman has now had 34 starts for six wins, 15 placings and more than $185,000 in prize-money.

“You’re never totally confident,” Ridley told NZ Racing Desk after today’s win. “He was very well before the race and he’d drawn a good marble. We decided if he could get a soft lead then we’d take it, and see if he could kick away.

 “All going well and if we can keep him in one piece, then we will head to Riccarton at the end of January. There’s a 1400-metre race that should suit him.”

Batman was bred by Mrs PA & PA Payne, and he was offered by Windsor Park Stud as a weanling at the 2010 National Weanling, Broodmare & Mixed Bloodstock Sale. He was bought by Anistay Lodge for $26,000.

He was offered again at the 2011 Select Sale, but failed to reach his $7,500 reserve.