A promising New Zealand-bred two-year-old, Engine Of War, is the latest exciting addition to the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr training partnership, after the colt was snapped up following an eye-catching debut.
The son of Circus Maximus impressed with a strong third-placing at Waverley for Cambridge-based trainer Andrew Forsman, catching the attention of major syndication group MyRacehorse, which facilitated the purchase.
“From the moment we saw his jumpouts and then his debut run, we knew he had real potential,” said Ben Willis, MyRacehorse’s Australasian Managing Director to Racing.com. “There’s a bit of X-factor about him, and we think he’ll measure up in Australia.”
Initially nominated for the Listed Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre Stakes, connections opted to scratch him in favor of a long-term campaign targeting Australia’s lucrative Spring Carnival.
“We seriously considered running him in the Listed race, but after talking with the team and Mick [Price], we felt the best option was to get him to Australia early and aim high,” Willis explained.
The colt’s debut form has been further validated, with the fourth-place runner, Spandeedo, coming out and winning emphatically in a subsequent race. “That kind of performance boosts our confidence that the form around him is strong,” said Willis.
Engine Of War will now transfer to the Price-Kent stable in Victoria, joining a growing line of talented New Zealand imports making waves in Australia.
Trainer Mick Price expressed optimism about the colt’s future: “He’s got a great action and looks like the type who’ll thrive with time. We’re really looking forward to getting him into the system and seeing how far he can go.”
The move also reinforces MyRacehorse’s expanding ambitions in New Zealand, where the group has already tasted success.
“We’ve had good fortune with New Zealand horses—Willydoit winning the NZ Derby was a big milestone for us,” said Willis. “We’re now investing in a more permanent presence there.”
As part of that expansion, the syndicator recently purchased a Contributor colt out of Sharp Proposition at the Karaka Yearling Sale. That horse will remain in New Zealand to be trained locally, further strengthening MyRacehorse’s ties to Kiwi bloodstock.
With Engine Of War set to land in Australia soon, expectations are high as he gears up for what could be a breakout spring campaign.
