Grunt (NZ) Superb on Stakes Debut

18 February 2018

Grunt (NZ) stepped up to stakes level with a win in the Group 3 CS Hayes Stakes.
Grunt (NZ) stepped up to stakes level with a win in the Group 3 CS Hayes Stakes.

Lightly raced Premier Sale graduate Grunt (NZ) (O’Reilly) stepped up to stakes level with a stellar performance in Saturday’s A$150,000 Group 3 CS Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington.

The colt, whose dam is a half-sister to former New Zealand Horse of the Year Ocean Park (NZ) (Thorn Park), was bought for $220,000 at the 2016 Premier Sale.

He recorded two wins and a placing from his first three starts, earning a shot at the big time in Saturday’s feature. With Damien Oliver in the saddle, he sat just behind a strong pace before pouncing in the straight and sprinting to victory by three-quarters of a length.

Grunt is now a leading contender for next month’s A$1 million Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at the same venue.

“He’s a big-striding horse,” trainer Mick Price said. “The 1400 metres is a bit short for him, but that was his run to get him into the Guineas.

“He’s a colt. A beautiful O’Reilly colt. A good-winded horse who is perfectly sound and I think that will take a little freshness off him before he goes to the Guineas.”

Grunt was bred by Trelawney Thoroughbred Ltd. His three wins from four starts to date have earned A$132,250 in prizemoney for owners R & C Legh Racing Pty Ltd, Wright Racing, Gurners Bloodstock Co, Mr R Smith, Mr G Pulitano, Mr S Tsalikidis and Mr C Cortese.

Vendor Trelawney Stud Ltd
Purchaser M G Price Racing/Cameron Cooke Bloodstock (Victoria)
Breeding O’Reilly – Ruqqaya
Sale Lot 49, 2016 Premier Sale, $220,000