Racing: More Wonder and Not Usual Talent draw overseas interest

More Wonder defeated the hot favourite Nirvana In Fire in the $22,500 juvenile event at Arawa Park. Photo / Trish Dunell

More Wonder and Not Usual Talent suggested yesterday they are youngsters with bright futures - just maybe not in New Zealand.

The pair impressed at Rotorua by coming from off the speed to win, More Wonder blasting past hot favourite Nirvana In Fire in the small but select juvenile event.

And Not Usual Talented remained unbeaten in two starts with his win in the event for 3-year-olds, continuing a wonderful Easter weekend for jockey Danielle Johnson after she rode four winners including a Group 1 at Awapuni on Saturday.

But while both horses look headed for far better things their respective connections admit overseas offers might be hard to turn down.

Trainer Stephen Marsh has a healthy opinion of Not Usual Talent, a son of Zacinto.

"He's been a popular horse with overseas buyers and I daresay he'll be even more popular now," Marsh said. "If I've still got him, he's definitely a horse to follow."

The gelding was a debut winner at Te Aroha last month and he handled a rise in class with aplomb sitting at the back of the field until the 700m mark when they improved around the field and Not Usual Talent sustained a strong finish to win convincingly.

"He's got a big, loafing action and he'll be better again over 2000m," Marsh said. "He's a lovely horse who we've taken our time with, but he's still raw."

Marsh said Not Usual Talent, who is from the family of the Group 1 New Zealand Stakes (2000m) winner Magnet Bay, would improve with time.

"He's got plenty of ability and he'll be a lot better next preparation. Whether I've still got him I don't know."

Podravina went forward from her wide gate to sit outside the leader and, after hitting the front 200m from home, she fought on for second ahead of her stablemate Ladynadel and La Stella Mia.

Earlier in the day More Wonder showed his improvement curve continues by downing the hot favourite in the $22,500 juvenile event.

More Wonder has also been courting offshore attention and his popularity will have been further boosted by his performance yesterday.

"I think he might be off to Hong Kong, there's a few people interested in him," said part-owner Graeme Rogerson, who trains the Mossman colt with wife Debbie and granddaughter Bailey.

He had finished runnerup at Matamata last month and he had no trouble going one better in the hands of Chris Johnson, who also won the opening event on Donna Anne Billy.

The champion jockey settled More Wonder towards the back of the small field before a strong closing 100m saw them home comfortably.

"He's just got better and better and he's got a beautiful nature, he'll suit Hong Kong," Rogerson said.

More Wonder had a length and a-quarter to spare at the post on the favourite Nirvana In Fire, who made the running, in his first appearance since tailing the field home in the Karaka Million (1200m).

"He got a bit keen in the Karaka Million and over-raced," said Andrew Scott, who trains in partnership with Lance O'Sullivan.

"The idea today was to be positive out of the gates. He'll learn a bit more from this."

- NZ Racing Desk