NZB Ready to Run graduate Folding Gear (NZ) has earned a free passage into the Caulfield Cup after winning the G3 Naturalism Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield on Saturday.

Folding Gear (5g Johar – Royal Show by Deputy Governor) led home a (NZ) quartet at Caulfield from Mr O’Ceirin (Postponed), Exceptionally (Ekraar) and Shenzhou Steeds (Ishiguru).

Folding Gear has been a consistent performer for Seymour trainers Lee and Shannon Hope with priors in the G2 Autumn Classic and G3 Easter Cup.  “We’ve been patient and, when you give them time, they come to hand,” Shannon Hope said.  ”It’s not the end of the world if we don’t get to the Caulfield Cup.  The Coongy Handicap is run on the same day but it’s worth only a fraction of the prizemoney.

”He won’t have another run beforehand because he’s one of those horses that doesn’t take a lot of work.”

The Naturalism result could not have come at a better time for NZ Bloodstock’s Ready to Run Sale of 2YOs with the 2012 catalogue in the post and set to be released online on Tuesday.

The NZ Ready to Run Sale has averaged 14 individual stakes winners per season for the last five years.  It has been a consistent source of quality pre-trained two-year-olds and its record of success, with nine Group 1 winners in the last five seasons, sees it unmatched by any other 2YO Sale in Australasia.

Folding Gear was purchased from Chequers Stud at the NZB 2009 Karaka Select yearling sale for $30,000.  He was later offered at the 2009 Ready to Run Sale and was purchased by Lee Hope from Esker Lodge for $50,000.

To request catalogues for the 2012 Ready to Run Sale of 2YOs on November 20 & 21, please contact reception@nzb.co.nz