Champ's first progeny about to hit the track in NZ

The opening two-year-old race of 2024 will be held at Addington Raceway tomorrow (Friday) and it will feature a notable first.

Next Gen sire Bettor's Wish (pictured above) will have his first starter in this country, with the Ross Houghton trained and driven Burt (Bettor's Wish - Izo Seishin) lining up in Race 6, the SBSR White Stables 2YO Mobile Pace (5.47pm).

"He's a lovely wee colt," says Houghton, "with a really good attitude."

Burt warmed up for his race day debut by taking out a five-horse trial at Rangiora on January 15. He ran his last 800 in 57.2, beating race rival Ringleader.

"He did that qualifying trial pretty easy and he has a nice draw and it's a small field (six starters)," says Houghton.

Houghton has three runners in the race with Burt a $3.20 second favourite. Stablemate Showmethetanlines ($2.20) is the top pick while Incentivise is at $7.

Ricky May will drive Burt and will don the Next Gen silks for the occasion. There are just two Next Gen suits in the country. He will borrow his from Carter Dalgety. The other is worn by top northern junior Crystal Hackett.

In 2024 Bettor's Wish was added to the frozen semen roster at the North Canterbury-based Dancingonmoonlight, where Houghton is based.

The champion son of Bettor's Delight was a star on the track in North America, winning 24 races and earning close on $3m, with a fastest mile rate of 1:47.6. He had a strong Kiwi connection too through the US-based combo of trainer/ part-owner Chris Ryder and now five-time US Driver of the Year Dexter Dunn.

Bettor's Wish is one of 16 Next Gen sires and will have three yearlings at the 2025 National Standardbred Yearling Sales at Karaka (February 15) and Christchurch (February 18).

They are : Lot 69  Bay Colt  (Ultimate Sassenach)
                 Lot 151 We Wish We Win (Le Vado)
                 Lot 317 Handsome As  (Elegant As)

"Nicely-gaited horses is what he's leaving and they seem naturals," says Houghton, "they are stocky and willing to work with you."

Next Gen is a new initiative launched by HRNZ to encourage new owners.
 
All yearlings from Next Gen sires sold at February's sales will be eligible to win additional bonuses of up to $600,000 per year for their connections during their 2YO seasons.

To find out more about the Next Gen scheme click here