Wy Fi heading south with high hopes for new owners

As a winner of three of his last four races, Wy Fi looks to have a good future, and his new co-owner John Preston hopes he's picked up a bargain.

The Love You four-year-old was sold for $21,000 on Gavelhouse last week, with the horse due to arrive at his new home in Southland this week.

"He's a big and exciting horse," says Preston, "and I was impressed with the way he bolted in at Motukarara."

Trained by the powerful All Stars barn, Wy Fi was three wide in the Moore Walker Davey Searells Accountants Trot on January 8 at the 600 metre mark, going on to win by nearly two lengths. It was his fourth win in 21 starts.

When Preston saw the horse had been listed for sale he contacted trainer and Foveaux Standardbreds owner Brittany Willis - "we have been friends for a long time."

She ultimately bought the horse on his behalf and will train it from now on from her property at Branxholme, near Invercargill.

"We will press on and see how he goes ... Mark Purdon has sold some nice horses before so why not?"

Preston has a long association with owning and racing horses.

"I'd like to think I have a pretty good eye," says Preston, "we had our first winner in 1993."

Among the good performers was Veneto. She had one win for Preston (and trainer Arna Donnelly) and seven overall before heading to the broodmare paddock.

Her first progeny D'Allesandro (Always B Miki) will be Lot 122 at the upcoming NZB Standardbred Yearling Sales at Karaka on February 19.

"He's a lovely colt who we think a lot of."

All in all 2023's been good to Preston so far - he's hoping it is just the start.