Written by Paul Vettise
A minor issue that prevented the sale of Night’s Watch (NZ) (Redwood {GB}) as a yearling is proving to be a major blessing for Gerry Harvey’s Westbury Stud.
The now 5-year-old is at the top of his game and can book his G1 Caulfield Cup berth with victory in Saturday’s Dato Tan Chin Nam S., at Moonee Valley.
“He was entered in the Karaka sale, but when we did our pre-sale scoping about three weeks’ beforehand he had a throat infection and wouldn’t have met the conditions of the sale,” farm manager Russell Warwick said.
“It wasn’t life-threatening or anything so we withdrew him and treated him. He was a good sort so we kept him. He was from the first crop of (resident stallion) Redwood and we broke him in.”
Night's Watch as a yearling before he had to be withdrawn from sale
“He just needed a bit of time both mentally and physically.” – Russell Warwick.
Night’s Watch was placed with Byerley Park trainers Peter and Dawn Williams and showed early promise. “He trialled and Mark Du Plessis rode him and said he thought he was a pretty handy horse,” Warwick said. “He just needed a bit of time both mentally and physically.”
He also came on the radar of bloodstock agent Phill Cataldo. “Phill was keen to buy him, but we were reluctant sell as we thought he would be a good advertisement for Redwood,” Warwick said. “We ended up keeping 50 per cent and OTI and their clients bought the other half.”
Night's Watch winning the recent Jockey Celebration Day Handicap at Caulfield
After a win and two placings in New Zealand, Night’s Watch headed to Darren Weir’s operation and he’s added a further six wins to his record with the latest of them an impressive open handicap win over 1400 metres last time out. “He’s got the Caulfield Cup as an aim for him,” Warwick said.
“He’s won $300,000 already and he’s only had 15 runs so the best is yet to come.” – Russell Warwick.
“He’s won $300,000 already and he’s only had 15 runs so the best is yet to come. He’s going to have to win a qualifying race to get in so he’ll run in the Dato Tan Chin Nam S., this Saturday and then the Naturalism, they are both ballot free for the Cup.”
Night’s Watch is a son of Glory Run (Exceed And Excel), who is due to foal to Redwood and will be returning to the Group 1 winning son of High Chaparral (IRE). “We sold a lovely Reliable Man colt at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale to Richard Laming for $400,000 and we’ll have his full-sister to sell at the Magic Millions,” Warwick said.
Glory Run is a daughter of Penny Gem (NZ) (Pentire {GB}), who won the G1 Captain Cook S., and is a three-quarter sister to the G3 Sky High S., winner and G1 Orr S., runner-up Entirely Platinum.
Night's Watch is by resident Westbury stallion, Redwood
