Savabeel colt Brando was purchased by David Ellis from the 2019 Ready to Run Sale for $500,000.
He came quickly to prominence finishing an unlucky second on debut, but following this with back to back wins in October 2020 and on Waikato Cup Day in early December that year.
He successfully stepped up to stakes’ level when a dominant winner of the $60,000 Listed Shaw’s Wire Ropes Uncle Remus Stakes over 1400m on Boxing Day 2020 at Ellerslie. Ridden by Te Akau stable jockey Opie Bosson, he was the consummate professional in winning against a class field.
In January 2021 Brando was a narrowly beaten runner up in the $225,000 Group 1 Devan Plastics Levin Classic over 1600m when ridden by Danielle Johnson.
Brando was back in the winner’s circle, after being gelded, in October 2021 and January 2022 before finishing a game third in the $220,000 Group 1 El Cheapo Cars Otaki Maori WFA 1600m in February 2022 when ridden by Kozzi Asano.
He then ran a very good race to be runner up in the $60,000 Listed Bramco Granite and Marble Flying Stakes Open Hcp over 1400m at Awapuni on 2 April 2022.
Brando has raced 14 times for five wins and five placings with stakes of $181,075.