A holiday in South Island last year turned out to be a pretty fruitful shopping trip from a business perspective for trainer Stephen Gray – a two-time winner from four starts named Ninetyfive Power.
While holidaying in the popular New Zealand area, the Kiwi conditioner spotted a chestnut two-year-old in a paddock and took a shine to him instantly. When he enquired who owned him, it turned out to be South Island owner-trainer Brian Court.
After befriending the trainer and seeing a video of the gelding’s trial, Gray rang his good friend Mr Chong of Ninetyfive Emperor fame and asked him if he was interested to buy the horse. Mr Chong trusted Gray’s instincts and the deal was sealed.
Named Ninetyfive Power, the Ishiguru three-year-old proved Gray right by showing ability on the training tracks – which was quickly translated on raceday into forward runs.
First-up, he ran a nose second to Asanti before failing to fire in the rain-affected track at his next start. He was ridden by Glen Boss on both occasions.
Third-up, Joao Moreira took over the reins and the new combination paid instant dividends. Well rated in front for a change of tactics, Ninetyfive Power made every post a winning one in a Restricted Maiden race over 1200m, defeating the promising Grand Wood Park by half-a-length.
Moreira stayed aboard at his next assignment, Friday’s $65,000 Novice race over 1200m, and though they broke from the inside gate this time, they decided to take a sit this time, allowing No Respite (John Powell) to take up proceedings with Super Jetset (V Sivan) second one off the fence.
No Respite lived up to his name turning for home and kept racing away at a strong tempo, but Ninetyfive Power, who had been angled out for his run, was issuing a stern attack at the 300m.
No Respite put up a stiff resistance but Gray’s ward kept chipping away to finally get the upperhand by a head on the line. Two-year-old Dash For Win (Ronnie Stewart), a former winner of one of the seven Legs of the Singapore Golden Horseshoe series, finished pleasingly for third another two lengths away. The winning time was 1min 23.47secs.
“Nice horse. He won very well and I’m very happy for his owner Mr Chong who has been a good friend of mine for a long time – a real gentleman,” said Gray.
“I got this horse while I was on holiday in South Island. Saw him in a paddock and spoke with his owner Brian Court and after I saw his trial, I knew I had to get him.
“He’s always shown some speed in his trials and his races. He’s still very immature, but he’s done nothing wrong so far.
“He ran well at debut and didn’t like the wet track at his next run, before he got his first win.
“Tonight, he had the advantage of the inside draw and the Short Course E also helped him. He beat a very good horse in No Respite.
“I think he will become a very good Class 3 horse and will probably get better over more ground.”
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