Racing: Young gun Warhorse is taking aim at million dollar prize

A 2-year-old with a racing future in Singapore will carry the winning aspirations of up and coming trainer Jason Bridgman in the Karaka Million at Ellerslie today.

The Singapore-owned Warhorse has winning form at Ellerslie and impressed many good judges with a powerful last-start victory on New Year's Day. Warhorse produced a blistering home stretch sprint to catch wayward stablemate Irish Rebel in the Eclipse Stakes and confirm himself as a serious contender in the New Zealand Bloodstock-sponsored feature.

Not even a wide barrier 15 draw has Bridgman hitting the panic button.

Recent results in the Karaka Million underline the belief with punters that horses can win from anywhere in the six furlong dash.

"I couldn't be happier with the horse leading into this race," said Bridgman. "He showed when winning his last-start at Ellerslie that he'll have no problems racing right-handed and he's a real professional racehorse.

"He's not really quick out of the gates so starting wide will be a good thing for him as he'll be wide and back and out of trouble.

"This is one 1200m race at Ellerslie where there is a lot pressure applied to the leaders throughout and they run along at a fast clip in front. I've seen a couple of horses win this race from wide draws, getting back in the field and swooping late."

When Mark Walker shifted to Singapore in 2010, Bridgman took over the lead trainer role for Te Akau Thoroughbred in New Zealand, and has quietly gone about developing a strong group of young racehorses.

In his debut season with Te Akau, Bridgman produced the outstanding King's Rose to dominate the 3-year-old filly's ranks in New Zealand.

This season Rock 'n' Pop, Burgundy, Warhorse and Irish Rebel have starred for Te Akau Thoroughbreds.

"When Mark shifted to Singapore, about a quarter of our racing team went up with him. The focus for the New Zealand-based stable was to replenish and rebuild the racing stock and that's exactly what we have done.

"We have educated and patiently handled a large number of 2-year-olds last season and you're now seeing that depth come through."

Warhorse was a $100,000 purchase at last year's Karaka Sales and was one of 12 yearlings Walker purchased for Singapore-based clients.

"Mark wanted all 12 yearlings broken in and educated down here in New Zealand before evaluating their racing programmes. Warhorse has just continued to improve each time he has walked onto a racetrack and I'm looking forward to saddling my first runner in the Karaka Million."

Bridgman is also warning punters to stick with boom colt Irish Rebel, an expensive fourth place getter, at Trentham last Saturday.

"Irish Rebel raced like a tired horse at Trentham a week ago. He's a far better horse than what punters saw in his last start."