The Kristen Buchanan-trained Tambeloa (Tagaloa) proved too tough in gloomy conditions at Warwick Farm on Wednesday, showing grit and maturity to outstay his older rivals and break through for his maiden win over the mile.
Rach (Written Tycoon) led the field and had to work early to cross and find the rail, with So Precise (Nicconi) charging up to sit outside the leader. Tambeloa (Tagaloa) enjoyed a soft run on the inside, while the well-backed Victorian favourite Rasp (Street Boss (USA)) settled well back in the field.
Rach kept the pressure on, stringing the field out mid-race, but when Tambeloa peeled off heels behind the leading pair, he let down strongly. It was a well-judged ride by Jay Ford, and the gelding had enough in reserve to hold off the fast-finishing Rasp by three-quarters of a length. Dollars (Written Tycoon) boxed on gamely to finish third.
Tambeloa had shown solid form at his two previous starts, running third at both Newcastle and Hawkesbury, and he looked to relish both the rise to 1600 metres and the give in the ground. Being already proven over a strong mile should stand him in good stead heading into his three-year-old season.
Jay Ford was taken by the gelding’s performance and believes he has the potential to develop into a serious horse.
“I really like him. I had my first go on him the other day and said to Kristen ‘he doesn’t know what he’s doing, but he’s gonna make a horse’ and he’ll stay that’s an obvious,” said Ford.
Tagaloa | Standing at Yulong.
Trainer Kristen Buchanan was equally pleased with the result and is already daring to dream. It’s really exciting. He’s a big baby. He’s only two, just about to turn three,” said Buchanan.
“He’s been showing a lot of promise. It’s a big deal to come here and win. I’m very happy with him. My partner selected him, and my owners have supported me in buying these better horses, so I’m super grateful, and it’s great to deliver.
“Dreams are free so maybe there is a Derby in his picture down the track.”
The beautifully bred Tambeloa is the tenth foal, and seventh winner, for Gamble Me (Rock Of Gibraltar (IRE)). A talented and speedy filly during her racing days, Gamble Me won six races including the Gr.3 Birthday Card Stakes, Gr.3 Thoroughbred Club Stakes, Listed Red Roses Stakes, and the Listed Moomba Plate.
Among her seven winners are the stakes-placed duo Major Conquest (More Than Ready (USA)) and Kinagat (Street Cry (IRE)), while another daughter, Sent From Above (Lonhro), is the dam of the smart juvenile Shangri La Express (Alabama Express), who was placed in the Gr.2 Todman Stakes.
Tambeloa was purchased by Tiverton Bloodstock for $60,000 from the Yulong draft at the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Tambeloa as a yearling.
Written for TTRAusNZ
