“That was very impressive, I think he’s (Darren) got a smart horse on his hands,” said Brown of Testarhythm.
MAGIC Millions winning 2YO Testa Rossa confirmed his unofficial tag as the equine Mr Consistency scoring another two year old double at opposites end of the country this afternoon.
Novacastrian colt Testarhythm was unrelenting when plowing through the slush to open his account claiming the STC Freeway Hotel Handicap (1200m) by nearly two lengths.
Meanwhile in Perth, the Simon Miller trained Testa Rossa filly Auburn Streak scored a timely victory after being beaten narrowly at her previous start when the saddle slipped.
The top priced colt at the 2009 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, Testarhythm once again attracted plenty of attention when winning at Canterbury today for Newcastle trainer Darren Smith.
Resuming from a spell and tuned up with two encouraging recent barrier trials, Testarhythm put the best foot forward, powering through the heavy conditions to run straight past race favourite Manahara to win the 1200 metre colts and geldings juvenile maiden by nearly two lengths.
A $110,000 purchase, Testarhythm is from stakes-placed Dancing Bridges (NZ).
“He’s a lovely colt, I picked him out at Classic and paid quite a bit for him, but he was a standout on type,” said Darren Smith.
“We’ll keep him going through his classes for now, he was very shinsore last preparation, but now he’ll keep progressing.”
Winning jockey Corey Brown was well pleased with the colt, who had not raced since finishing a tailed off last behind Chance Bye in an Inglis incentive race in January.
Testarhythm is the second foal and first winner for his dam Dancing Bridges, who is a half-sister to New Zealand Group Two winner Te Akau Rose.
His Vinery Stud based sire Testa Rossa has had an outstanding season with some 132 winners including Group One winners Ortensia and Rostova. His fee for this spring is set at $44,000 making Testa Rossa the only Top Ten Stallion priced under $50,000.
