Wish Me Luck (NZ) Tenacious in Aged Classic Win

Wish Me Luck (NZ) (Vincent) dug deep in a brave victory in the $45,000 Listed NZB Standardbred Yearling Sales Aged Classic (2400m) at Kaikoura on Monday.

The NZB Standardbred graduate’s opposition had their chance to down the four-year-old who fought back tenaciously to win for trainer Hayden Cullen and driver Blair Orange.

Wish Me Luck was having his first standing start attempt in the feature event and he made what could have been a crucial error.

After the pacer regained his composure, Orange didn’t waste the opportunity, taking Wish Me Luck straight to the lead to set up a strong victory.

“He spooked at the barrier when it went and jumped sideways a bit but he got into his rhythm pretty good,” the reinsman said.

After controlling the pace, Wish Me Luck and Orange were joined in the homestraight by Lester (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight) and Kimberly Butt.

The runners-up looked to hit the lead in the run home before Wish Me Luck lifted under Orange’s urgings to record a gutsy win.

“He is just a very genuine horse, it was his first standing start today and he didn’t get it correct,” Cullen said.
“But he got himself back off the canvas and got the job done.”
“It looked like the inside horse had the better of him, but he is a horse that never gives up.”
“We set this race out for him at the start of his campaign, so it has worked out perfect.”

Wish Me Luck was purchased for $45,000 by Alabar when he was offered among the Studholme Bloodstock draft at the 2021 National Yearling Sale at Christchurch.

Rakero Rocket (NZ) (Rock N Roll Heaven) produced a huge performance to run third behind the winner.

The NZB Standardbred graduate ran into trouble at the start of the feature event, losing several lengths.

The four-year-old then picked himself up to run a big third placing for trainer Tom Bamford and driver Gavin Smith.