Time to be Almanzor 3YO’s friend

Cambridge trainer Tony Pike believes the well-related Wind Rush can realise his full potential next season.

He has a high opinion of Almanor’s son who paid the believers at Te Rapa where he posted a long overdue maiden success with a commanding performance over 1600 metres.

Wind Rush had previously posted eight top four finishes from his previous nine appearances, including a third in the Listed Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre Stakes.

“It’s been a long time coming and he’ll get a lot of confidence from it,” Pike said.

“He’s always been a talented horse, but he’s been immature both physically and mentally and I think he will get to a good level next season.”

Wind Rush settled three back on the fence under rider Ryan Elliot before the short-priced favourite finished powerfully one off the rail to win by a length and a-quarter.

“He drew a nice gate and got into a good rhythm and sprinted away, it was really encouraging,” he said.

Wind Rush was bought out of Kilgravin Lodge’s draft at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale by Pike for $170,000.

He is a brother to Adam I Am, whose career was cut short by injury after winning four of his seven starts, with their dam the G2 Japan-New Zealand International Trophy winner Our Famous Eve.

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