Sensei provides valuable update for Schiaparelli as he sets his sights on the Group I JR&N Berkett Telegraph on January 19

Date: December 28, 2018

Progressive sprinter Sensei scored a tenacious win in the the Listed Hazlett Stakes (1200m) in New Zealand bringing a terrific pedigree update for his mother Schiaparelli who was purchased by Ferguson Bloodstock for $82,500 at the 2018 Magic Millions in foal to Hinchinbrook. She has since had a quality colt who’ll be entering the sales ring in 2020 and will no doubt be providing some return on the investment being from the last crop of Hinchinbrook. Schiaparelli who is the mother of Rothesay, is a blue-blooded daughter of Woodman (USA) from multiple Group I winner Canny Lass from the family of Golden Slipper winners Canny Lad and Sepoy.

The magic hands of evergreen horseman Chris Johnson paved the way for the Michael and Matthew Pitman-trained Sensei to take out the feature event at Wingatui. Despite being wide and over-racing during the early stages of the contest, Johnson never panicked as he guided the four-year-old into the race approaching the home turn.
Entitled to wave the white flag after such a tough run, Sensei never flinched as he downed local mare The Precious One and Group I 1 Telegraph Handicap winner Signify in a blanket finish to the event.
The victory was just reward for the Dream Ahead entire who had finished runner-up in the Group III Stewards Stakes Handicap (1200m) at Riccarton at his last start.

“That was some performance today,” Michael Pitman said.”He was four and five wide at one stage, so to be able to finish off like he did tells you he has a big ticker this horse.
“He had a wide draw and Chris got stuck out there, but the horse never chucked it away and was very brave at the finish.”

Pitman admitted he had been confident of victory after his charge had been the victim of some lousy racing luck at his last start.”He got skittled after 100m last time so to finish up where he did was a massive effort. On that performance he was always going to be hard to beat today, so we went into the race with plenty of confidence.”

Pitman will now set his sights on the Group I JR&N Berkett Telegraph (1200m) at Trentham on January 19 for Sensei.