Skip to Content

More Kiwis strike gold for Hickmott

MICHAEL Hickmott has feature race plans for impressive former New Zealand three-year-old Talamo who scored a brilliant win at his Australian debut at Murray Bridge on Wednesday.

“I think he can win the Hill-Smith Stakes,” Hickmott told Racing.com. “I really like this horse.”

It continued Hickmott’s strong association with New Zealand horseman Andrew Campbell, who has a sent a team of horses to the multiple Darwin Cup-winning trainer.

“Andrew’s always had a good opinion of this horse,” Hickmott said.

“He’s a very good judge; he found the horse for $8000 or $10,000.”

Hickmott said ultimately Talamo could find himself overseas.

“He’s a nice horse (but) he’s very raw still,” Hickmott said.

“Unfortunately, a horse like this will end up in Hong Kong. I’d like to keep him in the stable but he might be too good.

“I can’t wait to get him to 2000m.”

It continued the red-hot start to the season for Hickmott and talented apprentice Jess Eaton.

Hickmott made it a race-to-race double with another former Kiwi, Allacciato, proving too good at her debut. Having raced in the New Zealand Oaks in her three-year-old season, Allacciato was given a perfect run by Eran Boyd before getting the better of Conconi.

MEANWHILE Morphettville horseman Jon O’Connor looks to have unearthed a quality filly after Smokin’ Val’s stunning debut.

The daughter of Valentia upstaged red-hot favourite Who Runs The World in scoring an effortless four-length win with Karl Zechner in the saddle.

“Might have to lift our eyes and have a look at the program,” O’Connor told Racing.com.

Despite having done everything right in her early career the Morphettville horseman said he was surprised with just how easily the filly won.

“(She’s) a real little dream to train,” O’Connor said.

“A straight forward, young two-year-old. She didn’t need to go to the trials, she was forward enough and sensible enough.

“I thought she could win, but not like that.”

Post categories

Racing SA - Racing Racing SA - Stories