Al Hasa wins 2017 Welcome Stakes Listed NZ$50,000 at Riccarton Park (NZ), 1000m.
Te Akau's David Ellis told ANZ Bloodstock News on 31 January 2017 that this colt was purchased with The Golden Slipper (Gr 1, 1200m) in mind. Named Al Hasa, he dominated here with a big win despite the small field of five.
He broke from barrier two to set the early pace with rider Opie Bosson increasing the lead past the crossing. Bosson eased the colt upon reaching the course proper then gave him a shake at the 350m after which the race was all over, careering away to score by a widening six lengths.
Thunder Bay was the slowest away and two lengths last at the crossing, moved out five wide into the straight and ran on without any chance of catching the winner to grab second narrowly from Patsys Lass, who tried to go with the winner at the 300m and kept on yet lost second on the line.
