Here To Shock Horse Ready for Group One Challenge

Sprinter trained from Australia Here To Shock horse had an excellent trip to New Zealand horse racing for his BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa on Saturday. The Lindsay Park gelding, already with a good record in Australia, will be looking to secure a Group One win for his CV.

The New Zealand-bred seven-year-old, trained by Ben, Will, and JD Hayes, landed without issue last week and is staying at Stephen Marsh’s stable. Co-trainer Ben Hayes confirmed that the Here To Shock horse traveled well and has settled in without any concerns.

“He’s all good to go. He flew over on Thursday night and arrived safely on Friday morning,” Hayes said. “He’s staying with Stephen Marsh, and everything has gone smoothly.”

Here To Shock Horse, who races in the colors of Slade Bloodstock, was initially considered for Australian races, including the Group One C F Orr Stakes (1400m) or events in Sydney. However, after discussions with syndicator Rob Slade, the team decided that the BCD Group Sprint in New Zealand horse racing presented a strong opportunity.

“We looked at the race and thought it was a great chance for him to pick up a Group One win,” Hayes said. “He’s in good form and has already shown that he travels well, so we’re confident he can run a strong race.”

A winner of A 2.4 million, Here To Shock horse has delivered impressive results since being purchased for 70,000 from Cambridge Stud’s draft at the New Zealand Horse Racing Bloodstock Yearling Sale.

His spring campaign in Australia included victories in the Group Three Cameron Handicap (1400m) and the 1.5 million Allan Brown Stakes (1400m). Most recently, he returned with a win in the 1 million Supernova (1400m) in December, before fine-tuning his preparation with a 1000m trial win at Geelong last month.

Hayes believes the 1400m distance suits Here To Shock horse well, making him a strong contender for the Te Rapa feature.

“He’s always been a good worker at home,” Hayes said. “He knows his job, and 1400m is his ideal distance. Hopefully, he’s in the right shape to be competitive this weekend.”

Here To Shock horse was bred by the Sunlight Trust and is out of the Lonhro mare Frescoes, making him a half-brother to stakes winner Turn The Ace. Despite initial expectations that his pedigree would lean toward longer distances, he has proven to be highly effective over 1400m, delivering consistent performances at a high level.

Top Sydney-based jockey Nash Rawiller has been booked for the ride, bringing extensive experience to the campaign. His record at the elite level adds confidence to the team as Here To Shock horse looks to secure his first Group One win.

The Lindsay Park stable has another key runner this weekend, with Mr Brightside set to return in the Group One CF Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield. The New Zealand Horse racing gelding, a 16.4 million earner, is expected to attract significant attention in his Australian return.

With major contenders in horse racing in both New Zealand and Australia, the Hayes stable has a significant weekend ahead.

With strong form, proven ability to travel, and an ideal distance, Here To Shock horse heads into the BCD Group Sprint as a strong competitor. His preparation has gone smoothly, and with Nash Rawiller aboard, he looks well-placed to challenge for Group One success in New Zealand Horse Racing.