The Richard Otto-trained Sir Andrew (NZ) made a winning debut at Te Awamutu on Wednesday and connections hold lofty ambitions for the talented three-year-old.

“He’s a nice horse who had shown us a lot on the way through,” Otto said. “ We’ve got a very high opinion of him.  He’s bred to stay, being a son of English Derby winner Sir Percy, and he’s ticking all the boxes at the moment.

Sir Andrew (3g Sir Percy – Biennale by Royal Academy) over-raced in the middle stages but was still too good for his rivals winning the Liquorland Maiden (1150m) on a Heavy 10 by more than three lengths.

“We did throw a nomination in for the Caulfield Guineas, that’s how highly we’ve rated him,” Otto explained.  “We will just see how he comes through the run and whether he’s ready for a bit more pressure, or perhaps we will just take our time with him.”

Sir Percy (Mark of Esteem) was a G1 winner of the Dewhurst Stakes and English Derby and he shuttled from Lanwades Stud in England to Rich Hill Stud for three southern books until 2011.

Meanwhile, Rich Hill has just welcomed the first colt and filly foals by NZ Horse of the Year Jimmy Choux (Thorn Park).   “His two foals born so far are remarkably similar,” stud principal John Thompson said.  “They are both well-balanced bays with quality and a very athletic appearance.”