Okanagan
Kenton Wright Race Images
Andrew Forsman savoured success on two fronts when the highly-regarded Okanagan delivered on debut at Te Aroha on Wednesday.
WATCH: OKANAGAN WIN
He was happy to cash in on a neighbouring Cambridge trainer's race with the Sir Peter Vela-bred and owned three-year-old he prepares with Murray Baker.
"It's a pleasure to train a winner for Sir Peter and obviously a race sponsored by Stephen Marsh makes it doubly sweet!" Forsman said.
"He's a lovely horse with a beautiful nature and while 1200 is as short as he would want, in a maiden race we thought he would be too good."
A winner at the recent Matamata trials, Okanagan was tardily away from an inside gate before mustering speed to lead.
A couple of reminders from Opie Bosson in the straight saw the Testa Rossa gelding forge clear to win by three and a quarter lengths.
"He jumped in the air a bit and the saddle slipped back by probably a foot," Bosson said.
"He's a pretty good horse and he did it all himself really. He had won quite easily at the trials and he wasn't pressured – there's plenty more to come." – NZ Racing Desk.
WATCH: OKANAGAN WIN
He was happy to cash in on a neighbouring Cambridge trainer's race with the Sir Peter Vela-bred and owned three-year-old he prepares with Murray Baker.
"It's a pleasure to train a winner for Sir Peter and obviously a race sponsored by Stephen Marsh makes it doubly sweet!" Forsman said.
"He's a lovely horse with a beautiful nature and while 1200 is as short as he would want, in a maiden race we thought he would be too good."
A winner at the recent Matamata trials, Okanagan was tardily away from an inside gate before mustering speed to lead.
A couple of reminders from Opie Bosson in the straight saw the Testa Rossa gelding forge clear to win by three and a quarter lengths.
"He jumped in the air a bit and the saddle slipped back by probably a foot," Bosson said.
"He's a pretty good horse and he did it all himself really. He had won quite easily at the trials and he wasn't pressured – there's plenty more to come." – NZ Racing Desk.