NZ trainer Steven Cole has a Group 3 in sight for his exciting All Too Hard 3yo Chicago Jack following a first-up victory at Ruakaka on Saturday.
Chicago Jack was resuming from a spell and hit the line in unison with I’m All In (Zoustar) in the Homestead Bistro Hcp (1100m). The judge declared a dead-heat and Cole believes he can keep improving into the Northland Breeders Stakes (Gr.3, 1200m) back at Ruakaka on Saturday, August 17.
“It was a good effort on the weekend and he’s coming up really well,” Cole said from the Byerley Park training complex in Karaka. “He went in off just one trial at Avondale when he was carrying plenty of pudding.
“We’ve always thought a lot of him and gave him some time to mature after he was placed in the Star Way Stakes (LR, 1200m) at Ellerslie in April. He’s switched on now and is a better horse.”
Chicago Jack (3g All Too Hard – Sawn Off Shotgun by More Than Ready) raced in restricted room on Saturday and stewards reported he also had to be steadied when held up in the straight. That gave I’m All In an advantage but the margin wasn’t enough to win outright.
Bred and sold by Gerry Harvey’s Baramul Stud for $155,000 to Steven Cole Racing/Bevan Smith Bloodstock at the 2023 Magic Millions National Yearling Sale, he’s a full-brother to Gold Coast winner Shotgun Diva (All Too Hard) and a half-brother to Doomben winner Lady Shotgun (Star Turn). He’s the 22nd individual NZ winner by All Too Hard who has a 66% strike-rate across the Tasman. He can also add his name to the list of black-type winners representing the renowned cross with More Than Ready
Baramul Stud’s Racing Manager Luke McDonald reports their dam Sawn Off Shotgun is due to foal another All Too Hard on August 23. Second-dam Lupara (Encosta de Lago) is a half-sister to Savute (Danzero) who won the Northland Breeders Stakes in 2004-05.
Meanwhile, Cole is also looking forward to bringing back his All Too Hard filly Hard Attack for 3yo spring and summer campaigns. It’s hard to believe she’s still a maiden after a juvenile season that included placings at Wanganui, Ellerslie and Ruakaka. “She raced in the Karaka Millions and the Wakefield Challenge and is a very smart filly,” he said. “We should be able to pick up a race early on and then take it from there.”
Hard Attack (3f All Too Hard – Vitriolic Attack by Lope De Vega) was bred and sold out of Harvey’s Westbury Stud draft to the 2023 NZB National Yearling Sale for $100,000. Cole races her with his wife Tash, father Des and local dairy farmer Oliver Milne.
Vinery Stud stands All Too Hard for an unchanged $38,500 fee this year. All service fees (inc GST) for payment on a live foal. For bookings or further information contact Adam, Harry, McKoy or Peter on (02) 6543 8333.
This year’s Vinery Open Days are on Saturday, 24 August and Sunday, 25 August. Gates open at 8:30am and the stallions start parading at 9am. Registration is essential so that it can be correctly catered to avoid wastage. Contact McKoy on (02) 6543 8333 or mckoy@vinery.com.au
