Phill Cataldo sees sustained Australian demand as recruits target Classics

Bloodstock agent Phill Cataldo says Australian demand for New Zealand horses remains strong, supported by racetrack results and a favourable exchange rate, as recruits Miss Waititi and De Armas head towards spring Classics.

“The New Zealand dollar definitely helps without a doubt. The demand from Australia is high. The New Zealand horses are just doing so well over there. It’s a no-brainer for them to look into anything that shows form here,” he told *NZ Racing News*.

Miss Waititi won the Listed Super Impose Stakes over 1800 metres at Flemington last Saturday, while De Armas finished a neck second to Global Goal in the Group 1 Flight Stakes at Randwick on the same day.

Cataldo identified Miss Waititi after she placed in an Avondale trial in December and arranged her purchase for Australian owner Tim Porter. She joined trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr.

“She showed speed for a filly that is bred to get distance and had plenty of size and scope,” Cataldo said.

De Armas, by Ardrossan out of Regal Winks, was bought by trainer Johnno Benner for NZ$16,000 from Elsdon Park’s draft at the 2025 National Online Yearling Sale.

She won her first two starts, including the Listed Counties Challenge Stakes, before finishing fourth in the Karaka Millions 2YO. Cataldo had sought to buy her through that campaign.

“Straight after that race, OTI were in a position to buy the majority of her, with three of her original owners staying in,” Cataldo said.

De Armas transferred to Chris Waller’s Sydney stable and finished fifth at Warwick Farm before her Flight Stakes placing. Cataldo understood she would be supplemented for the Group 1 Thousand Guineas over 1600 metres at Caulfield on October 17, for which she was on the fourth line of betting at $7.

“Australia is our shop window and we need our three-year-olds to keep performing there like they do, season after season,” he said.