Demonetization was the top-priced All Too Hard colt at last year’s NZB 2YO Sale and he lived right up to that rating on debut at Pukekohe Park on Friday.

Trained locally by Nigel Tiley, he was never on the track but knuckled down for Jason Waddell to win the Haunui Farm 3YO Stakes (1200m) by more than a length running away.

NZ Racing News immediately flagged Demonetization for the NZ Derby-Gr.1 in March and race-caller Bruce Sherwin was just as impressed at Pukekohe.

“There’s five across the track but look at this son of All Too Hard,” Sherwin roared at the furlong.  “He’s been wide the whole trip but races clear.  He’s got a future and really is a good style of horse.”

Tiley echoed those comments when the colt returned to scale.  “I was a little worried about the heavy track but he’s a bit better than the others.

“Jason got off him after a trial at Ruakaka and said this is a real horse.  I would like to think we can set him for the NZ Derby.  I know it is very early, but he’s just a quality animal with a great pedigree.”

Demonetization (3c All Too Hard – Midnight Special by Zabeel) was purchased by Auckland-based owner Narendra Balia for $220,000 at the 2016 Karaka 2YO Sale.  He was bred by Bob and Sandra Peters and is a younger half-brother to their Ascot stakes winner Neverland (Big Brown).

Midnight Special is a sister to Rainbow Styling (Naturalism Stakes-Gr.3) and she won a Northam maiden for the Perth couple before retiring to stud after five starts.

The New Zealand connection is gaining momentum for All Too Hard who stands for a $44,000 (inc gst) service fee at Vinery Stud.  His first-ever winner arrived in March when Lincoln Hills was successful at Tauherenikau.

Lincoln Hills maintained his progress this season with a solid fourth in the Sarten Memorial-Gr.2 at Te Rapa on Monday.  The Lisa Latta-trained colt holds a Group 1 nomination for the NZ 2000 Guineas (1600m) on November 11 and he will appreciate the extra furlong at Riccarton.

DEMONETIZATION