Written by Paul Vettise
He may not be the best looker of the bunch, but Lock It In (NZ) (Captain Rio {GB}) hasn’t wasted any time in showing he’s inherited his share of the family ability.
The diminutive chestnut stood tall at Tauranga where, at the first time of asking, he accounted for a competitive line-up of 3-year-olds in Friday’s Gartshore Maiden for trainer Wayne Hillis.
The debut victory continued the Matamata horseman’s long and rewarding association with the gelding’s Auckland breeder Emma Evans, who has developed a highly productive family.
“He’s not very big, he’s only 15 hands and got a sway back.” – Wayne Hillis.
“He’s not very big, he’s only 15 hands and got a sway back,” Hillis said. “But his trial (for third) was good, he got home really well.
“I have had a lot of luck with this family and Emma doesn’t sell so she’s got all the family and there’s more to come.”
Lock It In
Lock It In was quickly into stride from a handy draw to sit in behind the pace. Once rider Darren Danis angled the gelding into the clear he flattened out to win in convincing fashion.
“We knew he had the gate speed and he jumped and put himself there.”- Darren Danis.
“We knew he had the gate speed and he jumped and put himself there,” Danis said. “He kicked on really well. He’s only small, but he’s like a pocket rocket.”
Lock It In is the only foal to race out of Aristotaat (NZ) (Faltaat {USA}) and she is a half-sister to Dezigna (NZ) Volksraad {GB}), who won the G1 Captain Cook S., and the G2 Rich Hill Mile for Evans and Hillis.
Dezigna’s brother Izonit was successful in the G3 Manawatu Classic and was third in a G1 Levin Classic while his half-sister Fascinator (NZ) (Spinning World {USA}) won eight races.
Lock It In is by Westbury stallion, Captain Rio
What a deal
She is the dam of Deals In Heels (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}), who was a multiple black type placegetter before claiming top honours in last Saturday’s Listed Matamata Cup for Evans.
Another of Aristotaat’s half-sisters is the five-time winner Multi Tasker (NZ) (Kaapstad (NZ) and she is the mother of the G2 Japan-New Zealand International Trophy winner and G1 Thorndon Mile runner-up Watch This Space (NZ) (Elusive City {USA})
