Trish Dunell
The performance of promising juvenile Thunder Bay has encouraged trainer Michael Pitman to extend the family connection at Karaka on Sunday.
Niagara filly Thunder Bay has made a flying start to her racing career with three-runner-up finishes in her first three starts including one at stakes level. Making the results even more impressive is the fact that two of those runs were behind Karaka Million (1200m) winner Avantage with the other behind Al Hasa, who placed second in the Karaka Million.
Pitman identified Lot 1092, the Niagara colt as one the one he wanted from the Book 3 sale and completed the deal when he went to $25,000 to secure the colt from the Mapperley Stud draft.
“Michael had a good look at the colt on Friday and told me he was keen on him,” said New Zealand Bloodstock representative Jim Bruford, who was bidding on behalf of the Riccarton conditioner.
“He really loves the older sister and the people who race her had asked him if they could be involved again if he bought the younger brother.
“I think they’ve just got another lovely horse.”