Multiple stakes winner White Noise has added winning momentum to his pursuit of spring targets following his successful return to competition at Ruakaka on Saturday.
Trainer Andrew Forsman found the ideal race for the son of Westbury Stud’s El Roca and, with the benefit of Donovan Cooper’s claim, he romped home over 1400 metres under the flyweight of 52.5kg.
“Donovan is a good lad who perhaps doesn’t get a lot of opportunity,” Forsman said.
“The claim worked nicely for us as it meant he was getting weight off some smart horses and with the good track it certainly helped.
“I was confident the horse would run well as he has a great record fresh and that’s how it panned out after enjoying a terrific run throughout the race.”
White Noise, whose older brother El Nymph was narrowly beaten at the New Plymouth meeting, hadn’t raced since he added the G3 Easter Handicap to his record that already featured the G3 Wellington Stakes and the Listed Gingernuts Salver.
The gifted five-year-old was quickly into stride to sit close to the pace and drew out in the run home to score by just on two lengths.
“We knew he was coming up really well and he did win first-up last preparation in a Rating 75, but that was on a heavy track,” Forsman said.
White Noise has won on all manner of going and his versatility is also reflected with seven wins from 1400 to 2100 metres.
The grey holds nominations for all three legs of the Hawke’s Bay Triple Crown series.
“There has been some talk of going to Hastings for some of the Group One contests there but a lot will depend on the weather and how the field shapes up,” Forsman said.
“On a good track, they might be too slick for him as he is yet to prove himself at weight-for-age so we might keep him to handicap racing for the time being.
“I have no doubt when he gets out to a mile and further he will be right up there, so there is plenty to look forward to.”
Owned by a large syndicate that includes his breeders Mike Gatt and Matthew and Allan Fenwick, White Noise is out of the unraced Sir Percy mare White Nymph.