Gambu, Te Akau Shark’s 3yo half-brother started his career in perfect fashion last Saturday with an authoritative win in a 1350m Maiden at Ipswich. The win was not only impressive, but it gave his trainer Chris Waller the confidence to announce that he would now be prepared for the Queensland Derby.
Te Akau Shark is certainly one of the most esteemed gallopers produced in New Zealand over the last five years. He too was a relatively slow maturer who, as a 4yo, went on to win two Group 1’s and finish 3rd in a Cox Plate. As a yearling, he was passed in at the sales before being sold at the Breeze Ups for $230,000.
With Covid restricting the then yearling’s ability to travel to the 2019 Inglis Sales, OTI was fortunate enough to privately secure Gambu. Showing little in his work as a 2yo, Chris Waller’s team have brought him along gradually through the early part of his 3yo career. The efforts of their work were shown on Saturday. Very green and still not fully in charge of his facilities, the gelding showed that he is full of natural talent in being able to sprint quickly over the final 400m and win comfortably.
Not only will it be exciting to watch Gambu’s progress, but also to observe the development of the full-brother to Te Akau Shark who OTI secured at last year’s Inglis Easter Yearling Sale. His name is Coppleson and like Gambu, he is being brought along patiently, although he does appear more forward than his older half-brother at the same stage.
Also being trained by Chris Waller, the 2yo colt has had his first preparation at the Rosehill Stables. He performed well and looks to have the maturity and talent to race as a late 2yo.
There’s an old saying in racing that good horses produce good horses. It’s little wonder that being out of the G2 winning mare Bak da Chief, herself the producer of 6 winners, Coppleson looks to have a great chance to emulate his full-brother and join Gambu as a most exciting horse for his owners.
Should further information be needed on either Coppleson or Gambu, we welcome your enquiry.
