Trish Dunell
Handsome grey As You Will is racing right up to his looks in the countdown to the opening Group One three-year-old event of the season.
The son of Mastercraftsman has placed in both of his appearances this season, including a strong-finishing last-start second to Sumstreetsumwhere in the Gr.2 James & Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m) at Te Rapa.
“He’s an eye-catching and attractive looking horse and mentally a lot better,” said Pam Gerard, who trains in partnership with Michael Moroney. “He’s going in the right direction and got plenty of improvement in him.”
As You Will’s most recent effort saw his price slashed from $61 to $16 for the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton on November 11.
“He was a big, strong colt but physically quite unbalanced when growing as a two-year-old,” Gerard said. “A decent spell and gelding has been the making of him.
“He’s obviously coming up very well this time in. The mile at Riccarton will definitely suit him, the further the better as he’s got a lovely relaxed nature and he should get over more ground as well.”
Selected as a yearling by Moroney’s brother Paul, As You Will was a $75,000 purchase from the draft of Mapperley Stud during New Zealand Bloodstock’s 2016 Premier Sale.
He is a son of the Listed Ray Coupland Stakes (1400m) winner Comme Tu Veux. – NZ Racing Desk.