Slot selection tactics for the Kiwi: 'We thought we would sit and bide our time'

Cover image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock

Just over two and a half weeks out from the first NZB Kiwi and things are heating up. Ten of the 14 slots have been filled and the feeling of optimism, excitement and anticipation is prominent across the industry in New Zealand.

Around a year ago, nine slots were offered at Karaka (the other slots have been allocated to clubs), and the response was immediate and impressive. The slots sold at an average of $691,667 - well above the $450,000 reserve - and attracted strong support from across the industry. Buyers included prominent international owners, local stud farms, leading stables, breeders, and owner syndicates.

The slot selection process adds a new layer of intrigue to feature races, with the slow drip-fed announcements carrying the dialogue of the race in a captivating way. Picking a horse is intricate, can be controversial, and sometimes difficult.

The Thoroughbred Report spoke with Daniel Nakhle of The Barneswood Brady Nakhle Slot Holder partnership and Brad Taylor, General Manager of Racing at RACE Inc, about their experience with the process.

The important ‘Kiwi’ selection process

When asked to describe his group, Nakhle said, “We have a really cool crew – we’re pretty relaxed and harmonious. We even have a WhatsApp group that gets plenty of action on the weekends, with everyone sharing their opinions. Sarah, Chris (Green), and Ger (Beemsterboer) from Barneswood Farm are fantastic friends, and Darren Brady is one of my best mates.”

The group selected Penman (NZ) (Contributer ({Ire}) only two days ago, on Monday - only two and a half weeks out from the race on March 8.

Penman is a son of Contributer, out of a sister to Irlanda (NZ) (O'Reilly) who won the G2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes, G3 Eulogy Stakes and the Listed Lion Red Plate and is from the family of Mo'unga (NZ).

The Stephen Marsh trained and Go Racing Bloodstock and Toro Bloodstock Ltd-owned gelding looks to be on an upward spiral and should appreciate the step up to a truly run race over 1500 metres. At his last start he defeated a small field at Tauranga on February 7 over 1400 metres, comfortably accounting for his highly-rated stablemate Tardelli (I Am Invincible) by 2.8l with 'Kiwi' rival Domain Ace (NZ) (Swiss Ace) finishing 10.3l behind him that day.

When asked about the specifics of selecting Penman, Nakhle explained, “There was never a huge temptation to go too early – with three-year-olds, they can change so quickly. It’s not like with the Everest and older horses, where you’re used to them racing against each other all the time. There can be a big change in the pecking order after Christmas, so we thought we would sit and bide our time.”

He continued, “As a group, we had been talking about Penman because one thing that we noticed with him was that the last 100 metres of all his races have been very strong, and he looks like an improving type. Marshy (trainer Stephen Marsh) agreed when discussing it with me – he’s a good judge of horses, and his opinion gave me real confidence. Albert then reached out with Penman, so it was a bit surrendipiotus, or so we hope anyway.”

Nakhle added, “Harry Green, Chris and Sarah’s son loves doing the sectionals, so he has a really good grasp on that, while some of us are relying on judging the form and the race by eye. We also checked with the ‘guru’ Peter Williams – he’s a great mate, and we trust his opinion; he gave Penman the big tick.”

Penman will complete his preparation for the big race on Saturday in either the Listed Trevor & Coralie Eagle Uncle Remus Stakes – which Nakhle described as “The Shadow Kiwi” – or in the R75 1400m race, where he will be ridden by Matt Cartwright.

Commenting on his teams overall approach, Nakhle said, “We are very hands-off – we trust Stephen and the team to make the right call. We’re very excited, but you don’t want too many cooks in the kitchen. It’s a hard game; all you want is a fair and reasonable outcome, but we’re definitely enjoying the process."

Brad Taylor, General Manager of Racing at RACE Inc., picked up Perfumist (NZ) (El Roca) to fill their position last weekend. Trainer Bjorn Baker had mentioned the slot holders were sniffing around the talented filly soon after her win at Rosehill a month ago.

In terms of tactics, Taylor explained “We wanted to at least get to the Levin Classic, and then, when Savaglee won that race but was headed elsewhere it took him out of calculations, we kept a close eye on the winners of Trentham’s major races – races which Leica Lucy has dominated, though she is now heading on an Group 1 Oaks Path back here at Trentham”

“Naturally, we would have loved an Awapuni horse, but we didn’t find one suitable, so we searched a bit wider.”

“We come up with Perfumist, it is exciting for the club. She is going to be a strong contender in the race – she’s in great form, and Bjorn is flying as well.

Although an Australian-raced filly, Perfumist is New Zealand bred so is eligilble for the race which is restricted to kiwi bred, concieved or sold horses.

"We are really pleased to have reached a deal with him and the OTI Racing team. Jason Tan, a form analyst we work with believes she has a very good chance in the race. Fingers crossed she can bring that form across the Tasman.”

Perfumist has put together a very tidy record for Bjorn Baker of five wins and three seconds from only 10 career starts. Her story started when she was purchased for $190,000 by Bjorn Baker, OTI and Clarke Bloodstock from the 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale from the draft of Westbury Stud.

Her path to 'The NZB Kiwi' is a unique one - she has tasted success at Bathurst, Mudgee, Canterbury, Randwick and Rosehill in her career so far, and looks to have a great chance.

“Last start, she was taken on in front and just peaked late, and Bjorn’s happy. She drops in weight and gets a senior jockey on board. It’s not confirmed, but in-form Ashley Morgan may come over to ride.”

“We were under no obligation to have a Trentham or Awapuni horse - as much as we would have loved to - so once we selected Perfumist, we obtained the board’s approval, and we are very happy and excited with where we are at.”

Australian exposure is massive from a wagering perspective

Entain New Zealand Managing Director Cameron Rodger highlighted the importance of showcasing the country’s best horses.

“In New Zealand, having our best horses racing is a big carrot on its own, especially 3-year-olds.”

In recent years there is normally an exodus of New Zealand 3-year-old stars at some stage during the season. So far, Perfumist (NZ) (El Roca) and Evaporate (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) are confirmed 3-year-old starters, with more contenders yet to be announced.

This is on the back of Australian trained and owned gallopers Hello Romeo (NZ) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}), Here To Shock (NZ) (Shocking), Numerian (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}), Bosustow (Blue Point {Ire}) and Konasana (Dundeel {NZ}) having crossed the Tasman to attack New Zealand feature races in the last month.

“To get Aussie interest is huge; it is massive exposure from a wagering perspective. Australians will back horses in New Zealand where they know the horses, know the trainers, and the Australian jockeys. Selling into that market is great for the industry.” Rodger said.

“It’s not a string New Zealand has had in its bow in recent years.”

When asked to elaborate on why that is, he explained “A key change is the boost in prizemoney. The changes in the pattern have also aided the process. It has made things a bit easier and also opened up the opportunity to get Aussies over for some of these features.”

“Stakes drive everything - that’s the reality. When there’s money on offer, horses will get there.”

When questioned about whether Entain/TAB has anything special planned for punters in terms of promotions around the race, Rodger said punters should keep an eye out: “The slot race is unique. We will be leveraging the slot we have (with Evaporate) and working on giving an owner-like experience. We want something to be fun to be part of.”

“This race has perfect timing.

“Racing in New Zealand was the afterthought for so long, but now racing does feel like the cool thing - which is exciting.”

The momentum continues to build

Emma Thompson spoke to The Thoroughbred Report about how quickly the momentum of “The NZB Kiwi” has built and how excited the team is two and a half weeks out.

Thompson explained: “It was only just over 12 months ago that I was appointed as the NZB Kiwi Programme Lead, before we launched on January 22 (the week before the sales). By the time the announcement was made, I had Australian and European journalists ringing me, the concept was very well received.”

She continued “It’s gone so fast, and it’s going to be incredible. We are getting massive exposure from wider mainstream media—not just the kind you get a week before the race.”

Thompson went on to say “We have been given a massive opportunity with Entain, NZTR and New Zealand Bloodstock to work on promoting this race. It brings together the very essence of New Zealand identity, as these horses are either bred, sold or conceived in New Zealand—and they get to battle it out at Ellerslie, New Zealand’s premier track."

“I truly believe that in 10 years’ time this will become New Zealand’s Melbourne Cup in conjunction with Champion’s Day. It is the biggest and best thing that has come New Zealand Racing’s way. It creates another layer of excitement, storytelling, and narrative.”

When questioned about what other special events were planned for the big day, Thompson added “People should be getting on track. The day incorporates New Zealand’s special culture, and that will be celebrated—it will touch the hearts of all Kiwis and beyond.”

Kiwi Slot Holder