10th March, 2010
Otago - Wingatui Racecourse, Box 269, Mosgiel Tel - 03 489 6233 Email - orm@gallopsouth.co.nz
Southland - Riverton Racecourse, Box 2, Riverton Tel - 03 234 8614 Email - srm@gallopsouth.co.nz
The home of thoroughbred racing in Otago and Southland
| Otago RC Wingatui |
13th Mar |
| Southland RC Invercargill |
21st Mar |
| Riverton RC Riverton |
3rd Apr |
| Riverton RC Riverton |
5th Apr |
| Otago RC Wingatui |
11th Apr |
Thousands of people enjoyed their day out at the Cromwell races on Sunday and none more so than experienced jockey Terry Moseley. Terry rode three winners, including the day’s richest race the R75 1400m $25,000 Goodbars Cup aboard Foneleven. A vigorous ride was required to get the Drama Critic 4yo up for his fifth career win for Michael Pitman. Only a nose separated Foneleven and the Paul Richards trained runner So Far. Terry Kennedy’s Miss Millbrook made it a favourites trifecta.
Waitui Dancer earned his second success of the weekend when winning the 2000m Cromwell Cup. Lance Robinson was again in the saddle for Les and Richard Didham. Biman ran home strongly for his third consecutive second placing, the pacemaker Shelby held on for third ahead of Peyow Peyow and Turn The Page.
The Open 1400m was taken out comprehensively by Steve Anderton’s lightly raced mare Westend Lady. Ash Mundy unleashed the Seasoned Star 6yo’s sprint and quickly reeled in Artic Ace and the pacemaker Zeddane. Westend Lady has now won six of her 17 career starts
Moseley rode All Spice for John McKay to beat Pitmans duo Zenagen and Kimberly Boy in the R85 1200m, and Awsum Dude was too good for Just Luce and All Emotional in the Maiden 2000m for Riverton trainer Kelvin Tyler.
Shane Kennedy and his stable apprentice Michelle Carston had dual success; Keep The Conflict narrowly won the R75 1400m consolation ahead of Jackson Jones and Fellini. While Pablo Escobar beat Thriller and Makatak in the Maiden 1200m.
North Island Jockey Craig Grylls rode Heavens Up Here to victory in the Maiden 1400m for his employers Mike and Paul Moroney. Lady Mountford and Tapinsky filled the rifecta.
The R70 2000m went to Pow Wow Jane; Chris Johnson did the steering for the Parsons team, Princesa and King Prawn were next across the line. The R70 1200m went to Winton trainer Leda Beck who produced Slip Stream to run a bold race fresh up for Kylie Williams, beating Single Malt and Miss El Bee Dee.
Alysha Tempelman used her 3kg claim to good effect with a front running ride aboard The Choice in the R65 1400m. They finished over two lengths clear of the favourite Alfred and Tuscany Rose.
The Pearler was back to her best on Friday when taking out the R90 1400m for the Dennis Brothers. When the field spread wide at the top of the straight Chris Johnson and the Volksraad mare quickly went from last to first and cantered to the line over two lengths ahead of Jackson Jones and Just Us.
Turf Fire and Kylie Williams won the feature sprint the R90 1100m for Washdyke trainer Michael Daly. Straitothepoolroom and All Spice filled the trifecta. Kylie also won the R70 1400m for Tarsha Stokes aboard Seeking Reign ahead of a brave favourite Imani.
John and Karen Parsons and their stable Apprentice Centaine Spittles also had dual success. Final Touch was impressive winning the 2yo 1100m, beating Captain Oates and the favourite O’Canny who ran wide. While Woodyeva caught Matai Lad in the closing stages of the Maiden 1400m.
Riverton trainer Kerry King also earned a winning double; in the Maiden 2000m Whodatap benefitted from a good front running ride by apprentice Alysha Tempelman. While in the R65 2000m a confident Jamie Bullard took Sea Forever around to the front at the 600m mark and held out the fast finishing stable mate Tap N Gold.
Michael Pitman’s 3yo Raewyn Coup and David Walsh were too good for Diamiond Jules and Go For Gold in the R70 1100m.
The R80 2000m attracted a good field; Waitui Dancer caught up with Coup Pie right on the line for proven Riccarton combo Lance Robinson and Les Didham. Idunno did well to run third after over-racing throughout.
Sally and Ben Gordon and Ashley Mundy had success with Adon Quay in the Maiden 1100m, Mi Semiautomatic ran second at long odds, while the hot favourite Makatak had no excuses when running third.
The Cromwell Cup is a 2000m event and will be contested by a competitive eleven horse field. The top weight Relampago from the Sally and Ben Gordon stable will be well supported, while the in form Turn The Page is a huge chance for the Anderton team. Biman has been racing well and Pitmans duo Peyow Peyow and Coup Pie could also feature in the finish.
The Open 1400m will be equally as competitive, going on recent form Coup Bloomsbury, Artic Ace, Westend Lady and The Pearler all capable of winning.
The R75 1400m $25,000 Goodbars Cup is a particularly interesting race. The Paul Richards trained runner So Far has a tidy career record and appears to be the one to beat. He will face stiff opposition from Mr Conquerer, Foneleven, Lucy Star and many more including Terry Kennedy’s duo Miss Millbrook and Third Choice.
All Spice and Tappy have to overcome Pitmans trio Zenagen, Kimberly Boy and Balzane in the R85 1200m.
Heavens Up Here will have to contend with Matai Lad and Tapinsky in the Maiden 1400m. Makatak will once again take all sorts of beating in the Maiden 1200m.
The R70 2000m the consistent placegetter Idunno takes on Pow Wow Jane, Twizel Magic, King Prawn and Princesa. The R75 1400m is another tough one for punters; Jackson Jones and Straitothepoolroom from the Parsons stable take on Pitman’s duo She’ll Keep and Fellini. Keep The Conflict is also a major player.
After the cancellation of the races at Ascot Park on the 20th February, the Southland Guineas was run at Riccarton on Saturday.
Ex-pat Southlander and current Pukekohe trainer Richard Collett and his son Jason combined for the second consecutive year to win the Invercargill Guineas.
Jason positioned The Beekeeper nicely; one out in behind the leaders before muscling into the clear at the 400m and putting the winning break on the field. They had half a length to spare over the fast finishing Cassius and Lesley Brook who also emerged late from the pack. Canterbury trained runners Xcelme and Kirk Douglas were next across the line in the 1600m event, while Our Bee Jay had no luck in the running when forced to cover extra ground.
The Beekeeper was always going to be the pre-post favourite but his odds shortened into $1.80 after the midweek scratchings of both Chaperalla and Champagne Ransom who had won the first two legs of the Gallop South Triple Crown.
It was the third win from five starts by the Keeper gelding, who is out of The Minder who is out of Dennis Brother’s good mare The Reason.
The Collett duo won the Southland Guineas last year with Alegrio.
Invercargill Cup Day ended in frustration for owners, trainers, jockeys and punters when racing was abandoned after four races due to unsafe track conditions. The Invercargill Cup will be run at the Clubs March 21 meeting, while the Guineas will be held at Riccarton this Saturday.
On course patrons did witness the fashions in the field competition, a cheeky lingerie show and four races.
Artic Ace cruised to victory in the Open Class 1360m for Tony and Lyn Prendergast and Jason Laking. Coup Bloomsbury got too far back and finished powerfully 2.5 lengths from the winner. Falcoon made it a favourites trifecta, Just Us and Tappy finished on next best in the seven horse field.
Zenagen continued to impress when easily winning the R80 1200. It was the 4yo mare’s third win this year for Michael Pitman and Amelia Denby. Street Light and Sable Noir filled the minor placings.
Shane Kennedy and Jason Collett teamed up to win the Maiden 1200m with Essential Business. The Volksraad 4yo was on debut and was too good for the favourite Makatak, the fast finishing Frances Mercy and tiring pacemaker Matai Lad.
The Hand Of Faith comfortably won the Maiden 1600m after David Walsh gave the Danske 3yo and economical trip for trainer Lenny Faber. Hezahalo put up a big effort for second after racing wide for the majority of the race. Voodoo Vixen put in her usual late surge to finish ahead of the favourite Star Daze.
Relampago is aiming for his third straight Invercargill Cup victory for local trainers Sally and Ben Gordon. Daniel Bothamley will ride the Yaminin Vital 7yo gelding. Titsgittin and Jason Laking will be the toughest to beat; the 6yo Danske chestnut trained at Riccarton by Ross Beckett was only four lengths beat by Red Ruler in the Wellington Cup. The Tania Booth trained Biman was second to Zabene in the Dunedin Cup, while the consistent Turn The Page was third in the same event for the Anderton’s. On the undercard that day El Torro won a R80 for the Richard Collett family and looks a good light weight hope on Saturday.
The ILT Ascot Park Southland Guineas is the third leg of the Gallop South Triple Crown. Steven Prince’s runner Chaparella won the Gore Guineas but had no luck in the Dunedin leg which was won by Champagne Ransom for Shane Kennedy. These two will dominate the betting along with The Beekeeper who was an unlucky third at Wingatui after striking interference. Locally trained filly Our Bee Jay put in a gritty effort when beaten a nose by Champagne Ransom. Cassius ran an honest fourth at Wingatui and King Montrose was a good second in a R90 at Riccarton earlier this month.
Coup Bloomsbury has had the measure of the southern sprinters this summer and will be hard to beat in the Open 1360m. Artic Ace ran a tidy fourth and Falcoon a fast finishing fifth in the Eclipse Stakes behind Coup Align. Towzan tired out last start but fought well for third at Gore on the 23/1 behind Coup Bloomsbury and Artic Ace. Just Us and Tappy are the Southland hopes.
Brian and Shane Anderton’s mare Royal Flight will be at short odds in the R90 Summer Cup raced over 1600m. The 5yo Danzighill mare out of Capital Flight has won five from eleven, and was a last start third in the White Robe Lodge Stakes. Typhoon Warning won here last Thursday over this distance comfortably beating Jackson Jones by five lengths. Peyow Peyow and Our Genes also have claims.
Ardent Fire is a major player in the R80 2100m after her good third behind El Torro at Wingatui. Miss Millbrook finished strongly for fourth in a 1400m behind Moveovr at the same meeting. Bonbonniere won here last week ahead of perennial placegetter Idunno, while Vital Princess could provide some value.
Locally trained runners Street Light and Goldminersdaughter are chances in the R80 1200m, along with Zenagen who has moved through the grades nicely this summer.
In the R75 1360m last start winners Keep The Conflict and Kerry Dance can give Renee Maree a good run for the money. Auntie Bram is also in top form for Graeme Mee and Ash Mundey.
There is two R70 1600m events; Don’t Ask, So Alberta and Lisboa are highly rated in the first, while Reconcile who beat So Alberta and Beata at Wingatui is going to be hard to beat in the second. Kelly Cullen, Alfred and Single Malt have all ran well recently.
Killycon Rose, Copperhead Road, Voodoo Vixen, Star Daze and Ellis Street are the leading hopes in the Maiden 1600m. Matai Lad, Tapinsky, Makatak and Adon Quay are all drawn wide but are the form runners for the Maiden 1200m.
Southlands leading trainers Sally and Ben Gordon prepared a career best six winners on Thursday at Ascot Park with Ashlee Mundy riding four of them. All were considered outside chances except for former northerner Lisboa who had support in the Maiden 1360m. Matai Lad went another good race in second. Bonbonniere paid $23 when winning the R70 2000m. Idunno ran second for the fourth consecutive time. The husband and wife team won both the R65 1600m events; Rin Tin Flin paid $12 in the first, while Princesa and Izuan Khairil paid $16 in the next. Dan Bothamley rode Blitz in the Maiden 1360m; the 5yo full sister to Relampago paid $61 in her fourth career start. Tapinsky led most of the way and has now run second in his last five.
By the time the feature event – the R80 1600m rolled around it was obvious what was going to happen. The stable mates Typhoon Warning and River Haze combined for a $20 quinella upsetting the favourites.Renee Maree and Jackson Jones.
Ben’s father Jack and sister Jo-Ann Gordon also had success in the R70 1360m with Kerry Dance, their $22 shot was ridden by Daniel Stackhouse. Kelly Cullen and Single Malt filled the trifecta.
Terry Kennedy saddled up the favourite Third Choice to win the in the R70 1100m. It was the second win in a row for the Kashani 5yo mare with Zman Zulkifl aboard. The Jester and Goldminers Daughter were impressive in filling the trifecta.
Chris Johnson rode hot favourite Tilburg to a narrow win for John and Karen Parsons in the Maiden 2000m ahead of All Emotional and Tap Again. The Parsons team and their apprentice jockey Centaine Spittles combined with Tiddley Pom to win the Maiden 1600m paying $11.
In the Maiden 1100m Seth’s Blessed trailed the field by 8 lengths at the 600m mark before sprinting around the outside for Izuan and his old Omakau mate Murray Hamilton paying $17.
The South Island’s premier Jockey Chris Johnson has a promising book of rides on Thursday that includes likely favourites; Hezaholo, Tapinsky, Sea Forever, Matai Lad, Wharfedale, Don’t Ask and Tilburg.
Hezhalo has been racing well for Steve Anderton and can win the Maiden 1600m. Matai Lad raced consistently well earlier in the summer and deserves a win in the Maiden 1360m for Omakau trainer Murray Hamilton. Mr Trimbole also has winning claims for Wingatui trainer Noel Graham and Terry Mosely.
Tapinsky has run second in his last four outings and is favoured to break through in the Maiden 1360m. Locally trained duo Copperhead Road and Ellis Street will be the toughest to beat.
Terry Kennedy has two realistic win chances; Wharfedale in the R70 1360m and Third Choice in the in the R70 1100m. Wharfedale comes up against Gay Robinson’s in form pair Single Malt and Jet Express. Third Choice is a last start winner in this grade and will be ridden by his Apprentice Jockey Zman Zulkifl. Other leading contenders in this event The Jester and Diamond Jules are both drawn wide.
The four good chances from the John and Karen Parsons barn are Don’t Ask, Tilburg, Tanners Point and Jackson Jones. Johnson will ride hot favourite Tilburg in the Maiden 2000m and the inconsistent Tanners Point in the R70 2000m. Idunno will be hard to beat in this event, as will last start winner Twizel Magic and the locally trained Dreamzeel.
Centaine Spittles will ride Jackson Jones for her employers in the feature event – the R80 1600m. Renee Maree is a major hope for the in form Anderton and Jay Misbah combination, while Vital Princess and River Haze are good place chances.
Johnson has good rides in both the R65 1600m events; Kerry King runner Sea Forever can handle a moderate field in the first event and Don’t Ask is a good chance in the next. Locally trained Pegasus Bridge raced well at Gore for Mac Henry and will provide stiff opposition.
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Track: Good 3
The $70,000 Group 3 White Robe Lodge Stakes featured the best 1600m horses in the Island. The top weight Hold It Harvey settled last from the wide draw, Jamie Bullard barged the big fella into the clear at the top of the straight and unleashed a powerful sprint down the outside to catch the pacemaker Eel Win in the final strides. This was the 10th career win by the King Cugat 5yo for Riccarton trainer Terri Rae. Royal Flight, Comparison and Real Chance shared the minor slices of the $70,000 stake.
Zabene signaled he is on track for a start in the Auckland Cup by impressively winning the $45,000 Dunedin Casino Gold Cup. Jason Collett rode the Zabeel 6yo for leading trainer Mark Walker. Biman and Turn The Page both hit the line strongly in the 2400m event. Stablemates Peyow Peyow and Coup Callum were fourth and fifth.
Jason had more success in the $30,000 R80 2200m when riding the favourite El Torro for his father Richard Collett. The Volksraad 5yo finished over the top of Outrage, Ardent Fire and Vintner - who did well to run fourth after racing wide throughout.
Coup Align showed his class with a comfortable win in the Eclipse Stakes for Lisa Alpress. Coup Align is considered one of the best Open Class Sprinters in the country and ran 1.10.20 for the 1200m. It was the Align 4yo’s 10th win for Michael Pitman and owner Ray Coupland. Attalla was second ahead of Westend Lady and Artic Ace.
Champagne Ransom took out the Listed $45,000 Dunedin Guineas for Riccarton trainer Shane Kennedy and rider Jason Laking. The Red Ransom gelding bypassed the first leg of the Triple Crown at Gore but his efforts earlier in the season should have seen him paying much less than the $29 on offer. Our Bee Jay ran strongly to finish a nose behind the winner. The Beekeeper and Jason Collett struck interference on two or three occasions and were an unlucky third. Cassius was fourth just ahead of the favourite Chaparella who had to settle at the rear of the field from the wide barrier; when making her run through the field she also struck traffic problems.
A gritty performance by Moveovr and a hard ride by Dan Bothamley earned victory in the R80 1400m for Peter and Dawn Williams. El Chico raced wide throughout and did well to hold second ahead of William Of Orange, Menalaus and Miss Millbrook.
Local trainer Paul Richards and Chris Johnson combined with Reconcile took out the R70 1600m. The grey 5yo by Seasoned Star has been racing honestly in recent times but slipped under punters guard paying $23 for the win. So Alberta raced wide throughout and did well to run second ahead of Beate. Johnson had another win earlier in the day aboard Kirkdouglas for Pam Gerard in the Maiden 1200m.
Lucy Star continued her good form for local trainer Wayne Stevens and rider Lance Robinson by winning the R70 1400m ahead of She’ll Keep and The Cover Drive.
The R70 1200m went to Zenagen and Amelia Denby for Michael Pitman, Miss El Bee Dee and Ace Of Diamonds filled the minors. In the Maiden 1600m Steve Anderton’s runner Justa Chance unwound powerfully in the hands of Jason Laking to run down Apologize and Kilycon Rose and Voodoo Vixen.
Track: Good 3
Wingatui will host the biggest day on the Gallop South calendar and the only Premier Race Meeting in the country on Saturday
The Group 3 White Robe Lodge Stakes is one of the four feature races on the program. The $70,000 in prize money has helped attract the best 1600m horses in the Island. The top weight is the Terrie Rae trained Hold It Harvey - who cruised to victory in the Timaru Stakes last week ahead of Transcend, Diamond Skeem and Coup Bloomsbury. Eel Win raced on the pace last week before tiring out in the Thorndon Mile behind Wall Street. Eel Win’s prior form in the south is top class. White Robe Lodge trainers Brian and Shane Anderton have realistic hopes with Real Chance and Royal Flight. Tappy, Just Us and The Pearler are outside chances from the deep south.
The 138th running of the Dunedin Casino Gold Cup is a Listed event worth $45,000. Zabene was a decisive winner of the Cup Trial at Riccarton and will be hard to beat over 2400m. Jack Attack fought hard for second in the same race for Tarsha and Michael Stokes, while Relampago disappointed his southern fans with a lacklustre effort in the Wellington Cup. Peyow Peyow and Coup Callum give Michael Pitman a strong hand, while Turn The Page impressively won at Gore and has a top record here on his home track.
The Eclipse Stakes is the Listed race for Open Class Sprinters. The Pitman team is expected to take the majority of the $45,000 stake with Coup Align. Coup Align hung on for a brave seventh after kicking clear at the top of the straight in the Group 1 Telegraph. Artic Ace has been racing well, while Westend Lady is taking on the big guns after recording three straight wins. Northern trainer Lance Noble has brought down Attalla who weakened out after racing keenly on the pace in the Timaru Stakes.
Western Pacific Insurance sponsor the Listed $45,000 Dunedin Guineas. All eyes will be on locally owned and trained runner - Chaparella. This High Chaparral filly trained by Steven Prince needs to win to stay on track for the Gallop South $100,000 Triple Crown Bonus. The hore to spoil the party could be Richard Collett’s filly The Beekeeper who has won two of her three starts in the north. Chaparellla looks to have the measure of the southern opposition although Issues ran a good second in the Gore Guineas, Lesley Brook stuck on well for fourth and Our Bee Jay finished strongly wider out. Champagne Ransom and King Prawn bypassed the first leg at Gore but could easily feature in the finish if they show their best. Cassius is another contender after just missing out over 1000m at Ricc last week for Kenny Rae.
Pitman has a five pronged attack in the $30,000 R80 2200m led by Vintner, Fellini and Eleanor Coup. The Williams barn has Outrage who just missed out behind Vintner last week. Ardent Fire is a home track hope, while El Torro could score for the visiting Collett team.
The R80 1400m is another super race also worth $30,000; Anderton’s mare Inferno can overcome the wide draw to beat Canterbury performers Menalaus, Moveovr and El Chico. Slip Into Satin was an impressive winner at Gore for Steve Anderton and Terry Kennedy’s runner Miss Millbrook goes well on her home track, as does Brock for Joanne Hillis, fellow top weight Balzane has impressed recently on the coast.
Brian Anderton could have more success with Beate, Clermont Princess or Smudgee in the R70 1600m. The Cover Drive is their main hope in the R70 1400m; Lucy Star and Outrageous Fortune also have claims.
Formal Court will be at short odds in the Maiden 1200m after finishing strongly on debut. In the Maiden 1600m big runs are expected from Canterbury raiders Apologize, Heaven’s Up Here and Edict.
Brian and Shane Anderton trained four winners on the twelve race program at Gore on Thursday. Jay Misbah rode three for his employers including a superb ride in the R85 2000m aboard Turn The Page. Misbah settled the favourite well back in the field before threading a path through at the top of the straight to beat Bluff and Fellini.
The other feature event – the R90 1355m went to Steve Anderton and Slip Into Satin. The Danzighill 5yo upset her more fancied runners despite being slow out of the gates. Ashlee Mundy never paniced and tracked Fly Solo into the race and finished over the top of Tappy and All Spice.
Riverton trainer Micheal Eade also had a good day bagging the quinella in the Maiden 1200m. Jay Misbah rode Senor De Guerrero to a length victory over Danza Rose, the favourite Munro got too far back and flew home for third.
In the 2yo 850m Jillian Morris jumped the Tarsha and Michael Stokes runner Good Excuse out from barrier one and railed nicely to win by three lengths. Fashionble Cool did well to hold second after being slow out from barrier 10 and racing four wide outside the leaders.
Zman Zulkifli rode La Gem to an upset win in the R70 1355m ahead of Single Malt and So Alberta. Zman also piloted Third Choice to victory over The Jester in the R70 1200m for Terry Kennedy.
In the first R65 2000m - Idunno went out hot favourite but Twizel Magic and Misbah were much too good. The other distance event went to Dreamzeel and Robert Hannam, the favourite Tenko came home well for second.
In the first Fillies and Mares Maiden 1355m Tapinsky tried to dominate from the front, he led by four lengths at the 200m but knocked up and Powder Creek and Misbah went straight past. The second race went to former northerner Acquit for Jamie Bullard for Kerry King. Voodoo Vixen and Adon Quay filled the minors.
Jet Express and Copperhead Road recorded a likely quinella in the Maiden 1355m. Lisa Allpress rode the Fort Prospect 7yo for Gay Robinson.
The Dennis Brothers apprentice jockey Alysha Tempelman knew she was on the best horse in the Maiden 2000m, she settled The Brook last before setting off around the 14 horse from the 600m mark for a deserving win over Tilburg who went another good race in second.
Chaparella impressively took out the first leg of the Gallop South 3yo Triple Crown at Gore on Saturday. The Steven Prince trained filly was hampered at the start of the 1355m event and settled at the rear of the field. Experience Jockey Kylie Williams kept calm and confidently thread the crowd favourite through the field. They comfortably went past minor place getters Issues, Te Akau Rose, Lesley Brook and Our Bee Jay. The favourite Regal Flame was very disappointing and never looked likely.
North Island trainer Ralph Manning and Bruce Almighty won the Gore Cup with the help of Chris Johnson. Biman and The Pearler filled the trifecta in the 2000m event.
The favourite Coup Bloomsbury settled last in the Open 1200m. The field spread across the track turning for home and Michael Pitman’s recently acquired apprentice Amelia Denby urged the top weight through for a well taken win. Artic Ace land Towzan filled the minors with only 1.5 lengths separating the first five across the line
In the R80 1200m Westend Lady and Jason Laking ran down Grasse in the shadows of the post to score her third straight win for Steve Anderton. Steve also had success when Zman Zulkifli won the R75 1355m aboard Tooquicktobeseen. Lucy’s Star ran on well and after getting a long way back Renee Maree also finished strongly.
Brian and Shane Anderton won the R75 2000m with Ardent Fire (Jay Misbah) ahead of Idunno and Electric Kai. The White Robe Lodge team also won the Maiden 2000m with Set In Jewels, this time with Shankar Muniandy in the saddle.
Michelle Carston and 3yo colt Keep The Conflict won the R65 1200m for Shane Kennedy.
Because of the high number of horses currently racing in the Gallop South Region - twelve races have been carded for Thursday.
The R90 1355m will be without Artic Ace and Coup Bloomsbury this week but is still a top field with many winning chances including All Spice, Towzan, Tappy, Just Us, Our Genes, Fly Solo and Brock.
The R85 2000m is another evenly matched field with Turn The Page, Peter Porter, Fellini and Typhoon Warning some of the likely candidates. Turn The Page had no luck in the Gore Cup while Peter Porter was a top performer on the recent West Coast circuit.
King Prawn ran second to Chaparella at Omakau and can go one better in the R70 1355m. The Johnny Phillips trained 3yo bypassed the Guineas on Saturday but should be great ride in this for Apprentice Jockey Daniel Stackhouse. Ambaarun, Reconcile, Schmeckenbecher, Single Malt and So Alberta are their main opposition.
Diamond Jules returned to form for John and Karen Parsons with a gritty third behind Westend Lady on Saturday. Centaine Spittles will ride Diamond Jules in the R70 1200m with The Jester, Sapphire Hue, The Jackal and Doris Brook looking like the other top prospects.
Fashionble Cool from the Mark Walker barn is the only race day winner in the 2yo 850m. Fellow Canterbury runner Good Excuse also has claims, Sally and Ben Gordon have three debut runners entered led by Suspend Us who is to be ridden by Robert Hannam.
The R65 2000m was split into two races, with Dreamzeel being a good chance in one and Idunno looking a good bet in the other.
The Fillies and Mares Maiden 1355m has also been split in two with Tapinsky looking a good thing in the first but the second is a more open affair with Ellis Street, Adon Quay and Ratsandall expected to be well supported.
Copperhead Road, Jet Express and The Iris are the big guns in the Maiden 1355m while the Maiden 2000m is likely to go to either The Brook, Tilburg, Sunyday or Lady Mountford who all raced well on Saturday
Bruce and Jason Laking can win the Maiden 1200m with Munro.
The Listed Gore Guineas worth $45,000 and the Gore Cup are the feature events on Saturday’s card.
The first leg of the Gallop South 3yo Triple Crown has once again attracted a top field. Mark Walker and Gus Clutterbuck have Regal Flame and Te Akau Rose lining up. Regal Flame is a speedy type and will be hard to catch from the ace draw with Jamie Bullard aboard. Fellow Canterbury trainer Shane Kennedy will have high hopes for well performed Champagne Ransom. The Steven Prince trained Chaparella is the leading Wingatui contender with support from Lesley Brook. Chaparella easily accounted for a good field in the prelude at Omakau. Southland’s best chance is course specialist Our Bee Jay.
Riverton trainer Gay Robinson and her 8yo Lord Ballina gelding Piero already have the Winton Cup and the Couplands Crystals in the cabinet; they now have a good chance of adding the Gore Cup. The Pearler is the class performer of the field and should handle the step up to 2000m. Northern visitor Bruce Almighty won the Greymouth Cup last week by five lengths for trainer Ralph Manning and Chris Johnson. Turn The Page and City Of Choice are other leading contenders.
John McKay has All Spice racing in peak form; along with fellow Southlander Tappy they will give the top weight Coup Bloomsbury a run for the money in the Open 1200m.
In the R80 1200m Westend Lady is aiming for her third straight win for Steve Anderton. Grasse and Straitothepoolroom are the Canterbury raiders, while Fiddler’s Green and Peter Richard are defending the south.
Paul Richards charge So Far spearheads a strong Wingatui assault on the R75 1355m. Renee Maree, Slip Into Satin and Tooquicktobeseen are other top prospects. Foneeleven and Hank could spoil the party, as could Whitestripe from the Rebecca Black stable at Riverton.
The R75 2000m is another evenly matched field with Fellini, Nickalign, Bluff, Electric Kai and Idunno some of the likely candidates.
The first 18 runners listed in the Maiden 1355m come from the Gallop South region. Trainer Jimmy Curran will be banking the winner’s cheque in Shield country if his former Te Akau runner La Confidente can do the business.
Burnham trainer Neill Ridley could have success in the Maiden 2000m with the big striding chestnut Le Vin. Neill also has Kings Chapel 3yo King Montrose lining up in the R65 1200m
Kurow J.C.
Waikouaiti R.C
Central Otago R.C.
Punters following the Gallop South summer holiday circuit enjoyed three days of big crowds, great weather and quality racing.
One of the highlights at Kurow on Dec 30th was trainer Michael Pitman earning four wins and four placings, which included the quinella in the $18,000 Kurow Cup with Eel Win and Peyow Peyow. With apprentice rider Amelia Denby’s 3kg claim reducing Eel Win’s load to 58.5kg an all the way win was achieved. Eel Win had won the Timaru Cup two days prior.
Jamie Bullard rode Our Mona Lisa to victory in the Maiden 1800m, while Lisa Allpress rode Raewyn Coup in the Maiden 1200m and Vintner to a two length win in the R65 1400m.
Brian and Shane Anderton’s mare Inferno took out the $18,000 1800m event for 3&4yo’s. Shankar Muniandy unleashed her lightning sprint after getting clear late to beat Mystique, Foneeleven, Fellini and Clermont Princess.
A hard ride from Ashlee Mundy urged Menalaus past the gallant Jackson Jones for her employers Peter and Dawn Williams in the R80 1400m. Jillian Morris did the job for Neil Coulbeck aboard Oodles when beating Parole and All Spice in the R85 1200m.
Jamie Bullard and the Shane Marr combined with Mr Conquerer to win the R70 1200m. Chris Johnson rode Bluff to victory in the R70 1800m for John and Karen Parsons. While in the Maiden 1400m Kylie Williams saluted the judge aboard Seeking Reign for Tarsha and Michael Stokes.
At Waikouaiti on New Years Day Pitman went one better and trained five winners. His stable star Coup Align and Lisa Allpress effortlessly took out the $13,000 Open 1250m by over four lengths ahead of Turf Fire and Coup Bloomsbury. Allpress also rode Draconic in the R75 1250m, Fellini in the R75 2000m and Vintner in the R65 2000m. Safari Prince was ridden by Jamie Bullard in the Maiden 1250m.
Terry Kennedy saddled up two favourites and had dual success. Doris Brook and Zman Zulkifli comfortably won the Maiden 2&3yo 1150m. Lesley Brook and Chris Johnson took out the R75 1250m for Fillies and Mares ahead Grasse and Champagne Joy.
Chris Johnson also won the 2000m Waikouaiti Cup with Shelby. Coup Callum and Turn The Page filled the trifecta. The 6yo gelding Shelby was having his first start for John and Karen Parsons after previously winning seven races in the north for Fraser Auret.
The Maiden 2000m also went to the Parsons team with Alpine Heights and Centaine Spittles leading from start to finish. Pitman’s duo Our Mona Lisa and Muffin Coup filled the minors. The Fillies and Mares Maiden 1250m was won by The Perfect Storm and Izuan Khairil for employer Shane Marr.
The victory spoils on the third day at Omakau were evenly spread with eleven separate trainers earning a victory. The feature event – the Clare Memorial Gold Cup raced over 2000m went to Titsgitten. Jason Laking settled the Danske 6yo at the rear of the field before making a move at the 600m; they cruised to the front and cleared out by 4.5 lengths for trainer Ross Beckett. Relampago and Never Plead Guilty took the minor money.
The Guineas Prelude over 1400m was impressively taken out by the Steven Prince trained runner Chaparella in the hands of Kylie Williams. A length and a half back was King Prawn followed by Our Bee Jay and Draconic.
All Spice and Terry Mosely took out the R90 1100m for John Mckay. Tappy finished within a nose of the winner, with Parole running third. Mosely’s second win in the R70 2000m was an all the way effort aboard the $26 shot Nickalign for local trainer Murray Hamilton.
Nikki and Barrie Blatch 7yo Just Us and Jarrod Todd upset Menalaus, Coup Bloomsbury and The Pearler in the Open 1400m. Todd rode another outsider $34 shot - Peter Richard in the R75 1400m Todd angled him out of the trail at the 200m to beat Slip Into Satin and Jackson Jones.
The R65 1400m went to Al Maaha and Riccarton trainer Terrie Rae and jockey Jamie Bullard, Reconcile and Go For Gold secured a favoured trifecta. The Jester and Dan Bothamley won the R65 1100m for the Dennis Brothers.
Pitman and Allpress combined again with Raewyn Coup in the Maiden 1100m. In the Maiden 1400m Ashlee Mundy piloted Auntie Bram for Wingatui trainer Graeme Mee. The Maiden 2000m went to Kerry King and Daniel Stackhouse with No Emperor ahead of perennial placegetter Kilpatrick.
Track: Good 3
Drizzly rain on Boxing Day played havoc with track conditions at Wingatui with an abandonment being called after seven of the scheduled ten races.
Brian and Shane Anderton trained four winners including the R90 1600m. Jay Misbah gave Royal Flight an economical trip to beat Our Genes and Real Chance. After the scratchings of Tiger and Tapinsky in the Maiden 1200m it was left to Beata and Misbah to control the event. Shankar Muniandy and Turn The Page won the R85 2200m ahead of the favourite Pow Wow Jane, while Jason Laking rode the fourth winner – Smudgee in the R65 1600m.
Laking also had success with Westend Lady in the R80 1200m. This was the second win in a row from the Seasoned Star 6yo for trainer Steve Anderton. Favoured runners Fiddlers Green, Hank and Caw all failed miserably.
Coup Bloomsbury won the feature sprint for Michael Pitman; Jamie Bullard got the consistent 8yo up to win by a nose ahead Artic Ace and the pacemaker Cherry Creek.
Four runners were brought down and plenty more were knocked out of contention including race favourites Kay’s Command and Mr Trimbole midway through the Maiden 1600m. Outsider St Bernard was one of the two runners not hampered and ended up winning in the hands of Ashlee Mundy for trainer Shaun McGarry.
The 3yo Guineas Prelude was one of the three races abandoned and has been rescheduled for Omakau on January 3.
Track: Good 3
Punters can expect top racing from some of the South Islands best performers at Wingatui on Boxing Day.
Michael Pitman has a strong team assembled for the Gallop South Holiday Circuit. Coup Bloomsbury will be tough to beat in the small but competitive Open 1200m; Artic Ace, Cherry Creek, Ketchiben and Turf Fire also have winning claims this feature event. Pitman is aiming at the NZ Derby with Cromwell winner Draconic; they should be hard to beat in the 3yo 1400m. Apprentice jockey Centaine Spittles will need to do things right though because other proven performers Chaparella, Our Bee Jay, King Prawn, Kidult and Lesley Brook will be ready to pounce. The R90 1600m is another competitive field with Our Genes and Peyow Peyow being Pitman’s charges. As well as last start winners Royal Flight, Real Chance and Tenacity, the honest campaigner King Of Sapphire is lining up.
If King Of Sapphire falters for Riccarton trainer Terrie Rae then the royally bred Tiger should make up for it by winning the Maiden 1200m.
John and Karen Parsons should win the R85 2200m with Pow Wow Jane after being unlucky last start at Riccarton.
Of course Brian and Shane Anderton usually saddle up at least one winner here on their home track. Impressive filly Clermont Princess could be the one when she comes up against Guthrum in the R70 1200m. Turn The Page should earn a cheque in the R85 2200m while Cherry Creek should do likewise in the feature sprint. Beata is an outside chance in the Maiden 1200m as is Cheap Date in the R80 1200m. Last start winners Royal Flight and Real Chance will be right amongst the action in the R90 1600m.
Mark Walker and Gus Clutterbuck have Tenacity, De Lago Dancer and Kidult entered and each of them is capable of winning.
Fiddlers Green, Hank and Caw are some of the leading hopes in the R80 1200m, while Terry Kennedy could well have success with Kay’s Command in the Maiden 1600m if they can beat fellow Wingatui runner Mr Trimbole. Miss Millbrook and Chris Johnson could finish the day off nicely for Kennedy in the R80 1400m if they can account for De Lago Dancer, Grasse and Westend Lady.
Track: Dead 6
Cold wind and showers did their best to stifle the Christmas Cheer amongst the hardy crowd at the Tapanui races at Gore on Sunday.
Ascot Park trainers Sally and Ben Gordon had a career highlight when scoring the trifecta of the Tapanui Cup. Stable star Relampago led for the majority of the 2000m event for Izuan Khairil and despite carrying the top weight they comfortably held out stable mates Bonbonniere and City Of Choice.
The Dennis brothers and Jason Laking combined with The Pearler to win the R90 1355m narrowly ahead of Our Genes. Fly Solo held third ahead of Tappy. Laking did the Dennis’s brothers no favours later in the day when he rode Lucy’s Star to win fresh up in the R65 1200m ahead of The Jester. Lucy’s Star is an O’Reilly mare trained at Wingatui by Wayne Stevens.
Lenny Casey’s charge Fiddler’s Green cruised to victory again this week in the R80 1200m. After an economical ride from Dan Bothamley the 5yo finished nearly four lengths ahead of Parole and Peter Porter.
Young Riverton trainer Rebecca Black trained White Stripe to win the R70 1355m. Rebecca also bred the My Halo 5yo and is a part owner. Apprentice jockey Aylisa Tempelman took White Stripe straight to the front and never looked back to win by seven lengths. Schmeckenbecher did well to run second ahead of Midnite Murma’s, while Ash Mundy hit the deck when Miss El Bee Dee pig rooted in the first 100m.
In the second R70 1355m Renee Maree in the hands of Jay Misbah proved she was too good for this grade by comfortably beating Single Malt and Lady Terriana. Renee Maree has been unlucky in her previous four starts this season for Brian and Shane Anderton.
In the R70 2000m Kylie Williams did the job aboard El Pzaaz for trainer Mac Henry. Nickalign was a close second, while Dreamzeel made solid progress from the back for third
In the Maiden 1355m Michelle Carston rode Pryzillian to victory for Riverton trainer Steve Blair-Edie. Outsider Ellis Street went a big race in second and Auntie Bram was next across the line.
Punters were rocked earlier in the day when outsiders Our Elliemonz $42, Tommy Rulz $29 and Halo Baby $15 all had a winning turn. In the Maiden 1200m Jillian Morris rode Halo Baby for Steve Anderton to beat Our Superstar and Munro.
Veteran Gore horseman Alan Borthwick trained 6yo mare Our Elliemonz to win the Maiden 850m, it took a hard ride from Ashlee Mundy to hold out the hot favourite Tapinsky.
There was early drama in the Maiden 2000m when the favourite Sunyday came out bucking and dislodged Chris Johnson. Tommy Rulz and Dan Bothamley ended up winning the event for Riverton trainer Kelvin Tyler. No Emperor and All Emotional filled the minors.
Track: Slow 9
Track conditions at Gore will be a major factor in predicting the winners for the Tapanui’s annual race meeting on Sunday. More rain is forecast which means horses could be in for another tough slog like they had at Ascot Park last week.
Kelly Thompson’s team thrive in the heavy going, last weeks impressive winners from his stable Schmeckenbecher and Golden Spot are lining up in the seperate R70 1355m events. On the off chance the track improves Southland 3yo’s Rin Tin Flin, Miss El Bee Dee, Volonte, Midnite Murma’s and King Prawn will all give Schmeckenbecher a good run for the money.
Golden Spot and fellow Ascot Park runner Kerry Dance will handle any conditions in the second race, while promising mare Renee Maree will go well on a better surface. Georgies Way and Right At The Pin are other leading hopes.
Fiddler’s Green cruised to victory last week but meets some quality performers on Sunday in the R80 1200m. Caw is aiming for his fourth straight win and goes well in the wet. Westend Lady and Cheap Date are the Wingatui hopes and Pitmans duo Parole and Sand Toyz are two of the other major chances.
The Pearler shows her best on firm ground but will still be tough to beat in the R90 1355m; fellow Southlanders El Bee Dee and Leica Bud will pick up the pieces if she falters. Fly Solo has winning claims along with Tappy who needs to redeem himself from last week.
Sally and Ben Gordons stable star Relampago won’t want another gut buster ahead of his summer campaign. If he opts out the Tapanui Cup – the 2000m event may be left to his stable mates City Of Choice or Bonbonniere to fight out. Another stable mate Dreamzeel is a good chance in the R70 2000m but will have to beat another wet track performer in El Pzaaz. Sally and Ben may prefer a firmer surface for Rural Reactor in the Maiden 1355m where he will come up against some good sorts - Jet Express, Pryzillian and Whodatap all from Riverton.
Jack and Joanne Gordon have reason to be confident with Copperhead Road in the Maiden 1200m and Kerry Dance in a R70 1355m.
As well as Caw and Whodatap Riverton trainer Kerry King has Tapinsky as a good winning chance in the Maiden 850m. Sea Forever is a rough hope when resuming in the R65 1200m but will have to beat The Jester from the Dennis’s barn.
Track: Heavy 10
Heavy rain prior to the Southland Racing Club’s meeting at Ascot Park on Saturday resulted in a significant downgrade in track conditions. Despite a few scratchings the fields held up reasonably well and the enthusiasm of the 8000 race goers on course was far from dampened.
Chris Johnson was again a standout performer racking up three wins and three placings from his 10 rides. Ashlee Mundy was another jockey to shine winning the opening event; the R90 2200m aboard City Of Choice for local trainers Sally and Ben Gordon. The favourite Stabinthedark was second and Turn The Page rounded out the trifecta. Ashlee’s second win was in the R70 1200m aboard Lenny Casey’s stable star Fiddlers Green. This was an exceptional run by the 5yo Spectatorial gelding beating the second placed runner Georgies Way by over 13 lengths.
Brian and Shane Anderton and jockey Jason Laking also earned dual success on Saturday. Real Chance finished over the top of All Spice in the R90 1200m. It was a good effort by the Seasoned Star 6yo and a game run by All Spice who went under by the barest of margins. Royal Flight was back to her best beating fellow Wingatui mare and race favourite Miss Millbrook by four lengths in the R80 1360m.
There was a blanket finish in the feature event - the Couplands Crystals; with Piero coming out on top for Riverton trainer Gay Robinson. Terry Mosely had to work extra hard aboard the Lord Ballina 8yo to get past Just Us in the shadows of the post. Relampago was gallant in third.
Prince Dane ploughed to victory in the grueling R75 2200m event for Jillian Morris and trainer Russell McKay. Noble Court, Dreamzeal and Typhoon Warning filled the minor placings, but the rest were strung out like Browns cows.
Sabin Kirkland has big plans for He’s Pauaful after he impressively won the Maiden 1600m. Jamie Bullard placed the Danske 3yo at the rear of the field before threading a path through to beat Kay’s Command by two lengths.
Klassicpins and Chris Johnson narrowly held out the fast finishing Oregon Blaze to win the R70 1600m for trainer Murray Hamilton. All three career wins by the Pins 5yo have been on heavy tracks. A masterful Johnson ride aboard River Haze was enough to win the second R70 1600m for Sally and Ben Gordon, while El Pzaz and Kerry Dance made it an Ascot Park trifecta.
Golden Spot was ultra impressive winning the Maiden 1360m by six lengths for local horseman Kelly Thompson and his stable rider Sharon Evans. Jet Express was second and Matai Lad went another honest race for third. Thompson also won the Maiden 1200m with Schmeckenbecher who was ridden by Chris Johnson The top weight Copperhead Road relished the conditions in second.
Chris Johnson is the jockey to follow at Ascot Park on Saturday. Chris is in superb form and a repeat of his six win heroics at Cromwell is not out of the question. His followers have reason to be confident with Stabinthedark, Matai Lad, River Haze, Tappy, Kid Columbus, Miss Millbrook and Typhoon Warning. Chris also rides Seths Blessed, Satisfaction and Gold Tap who have outside chances.
The R90 2200m has attracted a small but competitive field. Former northerner Stabinthedark is now prepared by experienced local trainer Mac Henry. City Of Choice ran a good third in the Queenstown Cup, while Turn The Page will be on most trifecta tickets after her consistent form this campaign for Brian and Shane Anderton.
The Anderton’s also train the well performed Real Chance in the R90 1200m; fellow Wingatui runner Brock also has a top career record especially on this course. All Spice and Tappy both impressed at Cromwell and the locally trained 3yo Our Bee Jay could tip up his more experienced competitors.
Southland favourite Relampago did not fire up for the Winton Cup which was won by Piero but he can bounce back here in the R90 1600m. The Pearler is also due to show her best after two average runs this season.
The R80 1360m is a good betting race with Wingatui mares Westend Lady and Miss Millbrook expected to feature. Ballaphun put in a huge effort for third at Cromwell behind Lucrative.
Typhoon Warning is in good form and drops back in grade for the R75 2200m. Vital Princess was an impressive R70 winner at Winton, while Donotdisturb, Kid Columbus and Pakitin Pete also have claims.
Matai Lad will be the most deserving Maiden winner in the region if he could pick up the 1360m for Murray Hamilton. Golden Spot has shown raw ability in his short career but he will need to run straighter on his home course. The Iris has drawn the ace barrier and finished well at Winton. Riverton contenders are Erbalbert, Jet Express, Awsum Dude and Tap Again.
The R70 1600m looks an easier race to figure out, King Prawn won his maiden impressively after racing three wide at Winton and La Gem was a close second to Westend Lady at the same meeting.
An interesting runner in the second R70 1600m is Volonte; Tommy Beckett thought enough of him to start in the 2000 Guineas – unfortunately the My Halo 3yo tired out after racing very wide. Midnite Murma’s won his maiden well at Winton, while Kerry Dance and River Haze are other major players in the event.
The R70 1200m is a good betting race; Single Malt produced an eye catching finish at Winton, Miss El Bee Dee and The Choice both won their maiden events well enough at that same meeting to warrant support again. Gold Tap has impressed in both starts this season, while Fiddlers Green will also be tough to beat.
Mr Trimbole can win the Maiden 1600m for Noel Graham; the Danske 3yo ran a good third behind King Prawn. Captain Rio 3yo No One is a bright hope in the Maiden 1200m for Michael Eade. The top weights Copperhead Road and Hezahalo are other leading hopes.
Champion Jockey Chris Johnson showed his class at Cromwell on Sunday winning six races and finishing second in two more. The Queenstown Cup with Ketamada and Wanaka Cup with Tappy were included in the impressive haul. This was the second time the experienced horseman has won six races in a day.
Peter and Dawn Williams had Ketamada primed for the feature event over 2000m. Titsgitten put up a brave showing in second but the Monjeu 5yo had a 6kg pull in the weights and always had his measure. Outsider City Of Choice got up for third. Tappy won the R85 1200m Wanaka Cup for trainer Kerry King. From an inside draw Johnson eased the Sandtrap 6yo into the trail and made steady progress up the straight to narrowly beat Parole and All Spice who put up a big run for third after racing wide.
Johnson had reason to be confident prior to boarding in form runners So Far and Lucrative from the Paul Richards barn. So Far led all the way in the R70 1200m and held out Sapphire Hue and Foneeleven. Renee Maree got too far back and did well making a wide run into fourth. In the R75 1400m Lucrative raced midfield before angling out at the 200m to beat Lunchcutter, Slip Into Satin and outsider Ballaphun who dead heated for third.
Chris rode Not My Ruby in the Maiden 2000m for Steven Prince. The 4yo mare by Generous was stepping up in distance and was far too good for the hot favourite Muffin Coup who was under pressure turning for home.
Chris settled Pow Wow Jane in the rear bunch of the 13 horse field in the R70 2000m. At the top of the straight the Flying Spur 5yo was unleashed for her second win in three days for John and Karen Parsons. Pakitin Pete was second and Faaltless came from last with a wide run for third.
El Caprichio won the Maiden 1000m fresh up for the Parsons team. Their apprentice rider Centaine Spittles took the Cullen 4yo to the front from the wide barrier and held out Tapinsky and Ratsandall. Raewyn Coup had no luck in the running and did well to finish fourth
Spittles also picked up a ride on Draconic who easily won the Maiden 1200m for Michael Pitman. Trista Flight and No One filled the minor placings.
Jillian Morris gave Tooquicktobeseen the perfect trip in behind the leader The Jester before peeling out and going on to win the R65 1400m for Steve Anderton.
Surraar paid over $12 when winning the Maiden 1400m for John McKay and Terry Mosely. The favourite The Perfect Storm finished second.
Track: Good 3
Michael Pitman runners are likely to feature in as many as six races at Cromwell on Sunday. Muffin Coup will be strongly backed in the opening event the Maiden 2000m, while Raewyn Coup and Zenagen give the leading trainer two shots at the Maiden 1000m. Draconic will have support in the Maiden 1200m, while Peyow Peyow is in good enough form to provide Titsgitten with stiff opposition in the 2000m Queenstown Cup. Foneeleven has claims in the R70 1200m but will have to beat Renee Maree and the Paul Richards runner So Far. Sand Toyz is a hope of winning the R75 1400m but will have to beat Lucrative who was ultra impressive when winning a R70 for Richards during Cup week.
Steve Anderton will also be carting a promising float load into Central Otago. Ratsandall could be the fly in Pitman’s ointment in the Maiden 1000m and Halo Baby could do likewise in the Maiden 1200m. Hezahalo can overcome the wide draw in the Maiden 1400m and Tooquicktobeseen can tip over The Jester and Go For Gold in the R65 1400m. Slip Into Satin is Steve’s charge in the R75 1400m.
As well as Renee Maree earlier in the day, Brian and Shane Anderton have promising mare Royal Flight lining up in the R85 1200m Wanaka Cup.
Shane Marr has a powerful duo entered in the final event in the R70 2000m; Faaltless will be ridden by Jarrod Todd and Izuan Khairil will ride Zerrich. Marr colours could also be to the fore aboard The Perfect Storm in the Maiden 1400m and Skimbleshanks in the R65 1400m.
Track: Good 3
The Winton Jockey Club could not have hoped for better conditions than they had on Friday. The revamped track was in perfect order for the Winton Cup Meeting.
The Dennis Brothers of Woodlands had a great day out, as owners they quinelled the R70 1200 with their grey 5yo’s Cheap Date and The Jester. Cheap Date is trained by Brian and Shane Anderton and was ridden by Shankar Muniandy, while the brothers prepared The Jester - who had an interrupted run for Dan Bothamley. There were no such traffic problems for the stable mate The Choice who jumped straight to the front for their apprentice rider Alysha Tempelman and held on to win the Maiden 1200m ahead of Copperhead Road.
Jarrod Todd rode Russell McKay’s runner Miss El Bee Dee to victory in the other Maiden 1200m ahead of the fast finishing Erbalbert. Todd had to work harder than expected aboard Miss Fairweather in the Maiden 2000m for Lisa Vaughan, while Midnite Murma’s won the Maiden 1600m comfortably for fellow Ascot Park trainer John Reece.
Inferno took out the R75 1600m for the Anderton’s, Shankar never panicked when turning for home sitting at the back of the field, the gap soon opened and the classy mare shot through to beat a brave Typhoon Warning and Prince Dane.
The Biofeed Winton Cup was won by the barest of margins. Only seven horses contested the R90 1600m event with Piero and Kylie Williams beating the local hope Peter Porter by a nose. Relampago disappointed his followers finishing fourth. Piero has now won six of his 19 starts for Riverton trainer Gay Robinson.
Favourite punters were counting their money when Matai Lad led by four lengths at the top of the straight, but King Prawn unwound powerfully to take out the Maiden 1400m for Winton trainer Johnny Phillips. It was an impressive run by the Kings Chapel 3yo after racing three wide for the entire journey for rider Daniel Stackhouse.
Chris Johnson steered the favourite Westend Lady to victory in the R70 1400m for trainer Steve Anderton. After looping the field the 5yo had enough in reserve to hold out La Gem and Kerry Dance.
Vital Princess was impressive winning the R70 2000m for trainer Dale Horrell and jockey Kylie Williams. The favourite Pure Strike finished fourth and was unlucky to not run a place.
Thoroughbred Racing returns to the picturesque Winton Racecourse on Friday. The Winton Cup Meeting is the first fixture to be held on the grass track since 2007.
The Winton Cup will be delivered to the winner of the R90 1600m by long serving club committeeman and race sponsor Greg Crowe. Relampago has gone two cracking races this campaign and will be favoured to take out the feature event. El Bee Dee, Just Us, Fly Solo and Peter Porter are a few of the other leading hopes.
Riccarton trainer Terri Rae and Jarrod Todd can take out the R70 2000m with Pure Strike. Xena Warrior, Vital Princess and Calculate also have strong claims in this ultra competitive race.
Jarrod Todd will also pilot Russell McKay’s runner Miss El Bee Dee who will have support in the Maiden 1200m. The second Maiden 1200m has more depth; with JetExpress , Copperhead Road and The Choice all expected to race prominently. Locally trained speedster Star A Rook could also represent some value.
Lenny Casey’s stable star Fiddler’s Green ran a good third at Wingatui last start, a similar effort would be enough to keep out Westend Lady, Kerry Dance and Georgie’s Way in the R70 1400m.
Matai Lad deserves to take out the Maiden 1400m after another top run at Riccarton last week. Another Pass and Kay’s Command are the Wingatui hopes, while Winton is ably represented by King Prawn and Matt D’Or.
The most promising horse on course will be Brian and Shane Anderton’s mare Inferno, who competed in the best 3yo company last season. If she is near her best she will take out the R75 1600m, if not Slip Stream and Danz A Rook who are trained in Winton by Leda McNeily and Val Christophers respectively will be ready to pounce.
Miss Fairweather will be at cramped odds in the Maiden 2000m, while Midnite Murma’s will be similarly backed in the Maiden 1600m.
Track: Good 3
Over 9000 people attended Wingatui on Melbourne Cup Day to partake in the on course entertainment and to witness top racing out on the track.
The Open 1400m event lived up to spectators and punters expectations with a wall of horses charging towards the finishing line. It was the locally trained Thistle who emerged from the pack for Trainer Steven Prince. Kylie Williams brought the 8yo from last down the outside to score his eighth career win. Relampago went another big race racing wide and powering into second and the favourites Hold It Harvey and Flight Point were next across the line.
Kylie Williams also rode The Take to victory in the R85 3200m for Paul Harris. Finian’s Rainbow was half a length back in second. The favourite Noble Court disappointed punters when failing to see out the distance. The Take is on schedule for next week’s New Zealand Cup over the same distance.
Wingatui Trainer Terry Kennedy had success with Miss Millbrook in the R75 1600m. It was a good effort by rider Chris Johnson to keep the 4yo mare going to the line when La Victoire appeared to be going straight past at the 200m mark. Turn The Page and Monkey Business filled minor placings.
Samantha Collett combined with Grasse to win the R70 1200m for Peter and Dawn Williams. The favourite Renee Maree did well to run second after her pre race interruptions.
Comparison began awkwardly in the R75 1400m and settled at the rear of the field; Jamie Bullard asked the Cape Cross mare for an effort at the 500m and she responded quickly to loop the field for a comfortable win. Strisan covered extra ground and did well to run second at long odds. Punters can forgive the favourite Chaperella for finishing down the track as she was inconvenienced at the start and at the top of the straight.
Bullard’s other winner on Tuesday was Mr Conqueror in the Maiden 1400m for Shane Marr. Auntie Ballina won the Maiden 1600m for Brian Anderton and Jay Misbah, while the Maiden 1200m went to Russell McKay’s runner Jimi The Toff ridden by Jason Laking.
Sally and Ben Gordon won with Xena Warrior in the Maiden 2200m, Miss Fairweather was impressive coming from last in a slowly run race to finish second. The Gordon’s also picked up the R65 1400m with the favourite River Haze ridden by Chris Johnson.
Track: Dead 6
The Otago Racing Club is expecting a huge crowd at Wingatui on Tuesday. The big fields assembled should equate to some healthy dividends on offer for us punters.
The Open 1400m is a super field with local hopes riding on Flight Point and Halobelle. Flight Point was back to his best for Brian and Shane Anderton here last month scoring a comfortable win. Halobelle is a consistent performer for Wayne Stevens and her band of owners including Gallop South’s CEO Andre Klein. Hold It Harvey could also provide more success for Riccarton Trainer Terri Rae, Hold It Harvey had no luck in his last start in the Kelt Memorial. Fellow Canterbury runners Artic Ace and Coup Bloomsbury are also likely to earn a slice of the $15,000 stake.
Mark Walker and Gus Clutterbuck dominated at this track last month scoring three wins and can add to that with La Victoire in the R75 1600m. Blanc Pain and Monkey Business have strong claims despite being equal top weights and starting from wide barriers. Turn The Page went a top race when resuming behind Comparison, while Miss Millbrook and Slipstream are capable of improving on their last outings.
On Melbourne Cup day the Otago Club is again holding a R85 3200m race. Bradnor will have support in this $16,000 event along with Power Pack who won a maiden 2000m at Wyndham. On the same day Sinbaad Bay ran second to Jardena in a R70 over the same distance. Noble Court won a R70 2000m at Riccarton last start and will also be hard to roll.
Comparison is the horse to beat in the R75 1400m after a good win here in this same grade last month. There are many other form runners lining up including Hit The Bit, Missarooy Belle, Explosive Dancer and Chaperella who won her Maiden by 10 lengths for Steven Prince and Jillian Morris. Prince and Morris also have a good chance in the Maiden 1600m with Not My Ruby.
In the R70 1200m the likely favourite Renee Maree will take some beating, she was an unlucky fourth in her fresh up run, another local Third Choice also was unlucky in that same race. Rin Tin Flin and Viva La Danske are having their first go in this grade after winning their Maidens at Wyndham.
Miss Fairweather appears to be a solid investment in the Maiden 2200m. The Lisa Vaughan trained 5yo is untried at the distance but was running on strongly in her last start at Riccarton over 1800m finishing third.
Matai Lad was slightly disappointing at Wyndham when tiring into fourth but deserves another chance in the Maiden 1400m. Another Pass went a good race last start for Steve Anderton and looms large in this event. Steve also has a leading contender in the Maiden 1200m with Hezahalo. After promising debut runs by Star A Rook and Waiting For Cod it would hard to leave these southerners out of combinations.
Track: Heavy 10
Nikki and Barrie Blatch bagged three winners at Wyndham; The Star Gazer, Viva La Danske and Mugs Away provided the winning treble for the Tapanui Trainers.
The heavy underfoot conditions was a contributing factor to the small fields entered on Friday but the punters were still treated to some good racing.
Jarrod Todd piloted The Star Gazer in the opening event the Maiden 1400m while Jason Laking rode
Viva La Danske to the narrowest of victory’s in the Maiden 1200m. Mugs Away paid $24 in the R85 1400m with Michelle Carston in the saddle.
Apprentice rider Carston also rode Leica Bud to a three length win in the Fillies and Mares 1200m for Riverton horseman Stephen Blair-Edie. The Pearler went a good race fresh up in second, with Malissimo third.
Lautenschlager was the favourite for the Wyndham Cup and duly delivered under the top weight for Jamie Bates and Kelly Thompson. Keepitinthefamily was scratched and the well fancied stable mate Lotus finished last in the six horse field. Danz A Rook and Bradnor filled the trifecta in this testing 2000m event.
Caw won his third consecutive race this season for Kerry King and Chris Johnson when he beat the The Cloud in the R75 1200m. As expected Jardena easily won the R70 2000m for Jarrod Todd and Shane Marr.
Terry Mosely was another to earn a winning double aboard Power Pack in the Maiden 2000m and El Pzaz in the R65 1400m. Greg Wright trains Power Pack at Winton and Mac Henry prepares former northerner El Pzaz at Woodlands.
In the other Maiden 1200m Zman Zulkifli and Rin Tin Flin did the business for Ascot Park’s leading trainers Sally and Ben Gordon.
Track: Slow 8
Racing returns to the freshly restored Wyndham Racecourse on Friday after a three year break. The committee is hoping a good crowd will be on track to witness what promises to be some quality racing.
Rangiora Trainer Paul Harris has two leading chances in the Wyndham Cup; Keepitinthefamily will take some beating, while Lotus also has strong claims, both of these runners still hold nominations for the NZ Cup next month. Lautenschlager beat Lotus at Gore and is Southland’s leading hope in the main event over 2000m.
The R85 1400m has plenty of depth and should be a cracking race. Local trainer John McKay has All Spice in good form, and his brother Russell has the equal top weight El Bee Dee resuming. Kerry King also has reason to be confident with her charges - Tappy and High Seas.
Kerry will also be hoping Caw can win his third consecutive race this season when he takes on the Dennis Bro’s duo The Cloud and The Jester in the R75 1200m.
The Woodlands Brothers can also take out the Fillies and Mares 1200m with last seasons Southland 3yo of the year The Pearler. Malissimo went a cheeky race for Steven Prince behind Tappy at Gore, and Peter and Dawn Williams’s runner Ms Keeper finished strongly last start at Riccarton, Apprentice Jockey David Mo will be aboard on Friday.
Judging by her eight length win at Gore Jardena is clearly a class above this R70 2000m field; while Matai Lad deserves to win the Maiden 1400m after two good runs since joining the Murray Hamilton stable.
Ten of the 11 runners in the first Maiden 1200m are trained in Southland; Sally and Ben Gordon’s rep Rin Tin Flin ran well at Gore while Kelly Thompson’s Ima Dude had excuses. Val Christophers Star A Rook is reportedly a speedy type while fellow debutant Waiting For Cod is another interesting candidate from the successful Sabin Kirkland Barn.
The second Maiden 1200m has little exposed form, an exception is Miss El Bee Dee who impressed in her 2yo campaign, and can win fresh up for Jay Misbah and Russell McKay. Viva La Danske could be a smokey after a reasonable showing at Winghtui.
Track: Dead 5
Included in Jamie Bullard’s four wins at Wingatui was the Open Class 1400m aboard Flight Point. This 8yo chestnut gelding has now won 12 races for Brian and Shane Anderton. Showusyahalo and Show Cat filled the trifecta while in fourth place Relampago signaled he is on schedule for bigger assignments. Unfortunately the favourite Transcend did not fire a shot
Shaky Bridge in the R70 1600m and De Janiero in the R70 1000m were also winners for Bullard. De Janiero jumped straight to the front and proved too hard to catch for Lucrative who pushed hard for second. In fourth place Renee Maree lost no admirers after being slow away and struggled for clear racing room.
Foreman Gus Clutterbuck has the Mark Walker Stable at Rangiora running hot; they had had success with all three of their runners. Bullard settled Caparison out the back in the R75 1400m and made their winning move turning for home. Turn The Page, Rastus Jack and Hit The Bit also impressed but the favourite Miss Millbrook was beaten by seven lengths.
Jarrod Todd and Ransom Success comfortably led all the way in the Maiden 1000m and Chanson d’Amour was also travelling like the winner throughout the Maiden 1200m for Jillian Morris - who did well to thread a gap and finish over the top in a bunched finish.
Jillian also rode Paul Harris’ runner Madam Rio to an upset win in the R75 1200m. Favourite Lesley Brook struggled under the top weight finishing last of nine.
North Island rider Robert Hannom justified his trip south by winning the Maiden 1600m with Volonte and the R65 1400m aboard Right At The Pin.
Racing returns to Wingatui on Friday after a long layoff while the track underwent improvements through the winter.
Transcend will have support in the Open Class 1400m after two quality performances recently for Trainer Aaron Taylor. Brian and Shane Anderton will be hoping Flight Point can recapture last seasons form on familiar territory. Just Us is another leading contender after his easy win at Riverton and good fifth behind Eel Win and Transcend at Riccarton.
The R75 1400m is shaping up as excellent race with many chances. Miss Millbrook won the Dunedin Guineas here in January and finished solidly for fourth behind Royal Imperium when resuming for Terry Kennedy. Slip Stream could not have been more impressive in her fresh up run at Riverton winning a R70 by six lengths for Leda McNeilly. Rastus Jack has been racing consistently well this campaign, other leading hopes are Danz A Rook who recently ran second in a trial at Wyndham, Pebble who ran third in a R80 behind Show Cat and Hit The Bit was looking for this distance when running on late at Gore.
Terry Kennedy’s other big gun Lesley Brook is lining up in the R75 1200m. The recently crowned South Island 2yo of the year produced a modest showing when resuming behind Brown Eyed Grace, but she should be ready to fire on Friday. Fellow Wingatui runner Sable Noir has been threatening to win throughout the spring and also deserves to break through for Rochelle Deveroux.
Renee Maree performed well last season and can add to her tidy record in the R70 1000m. Two other local mares that have shown ability also resume in this event - Lucrative and Third Choice.
Johnny Phillips’ 3yo King Prawn has had little luck in his short career; the step up to 1600m and the moderate opposition he is facing should see him score a maiden win.
Mark Walker and Gus Clutterbuck also have a couple of likely entrants on the day. In the Maiden 1200m Jillian Morris will ride 3yo filly Chanson d’Amour. While Jarrod Todd will pilot Ransom Success in the Maiden 1000m, this Red Ransom filly raced six times as a 2yo for four placings.
Champion Jockey Chris Johnson has a good book of rides including King Prawn, Miss Millbrook, Transcend and Lesley Brook.
Track: Dead 6
Local horseman Ellis Winsloe won opening event at Gore on Sunday. Visiting rider Robert Hannom narrowly got First Prize up to win the Maiden 2000m ahead of Freedman and Power Pack.
The track was then upgraded to a Dead 6 rating which helped enable some quality racing throughout the afternoon. Caw earned his second grinding win this season in the R70 1200m for Chris Johnson and Kerry King. The successful duo also combined for victory in the R85 1200m with Tappy. All Spice and Leica Bud filled the minor placings in this event, while Malisimo also raced prominently fresh up to finish fourth.
Artic Ace continued his superb form in the Open 1200m, Jason Laking was always confident aboard the Prendergast’s runner; Halobelle was over a length back in second place.
Lisa Vaughan’s charge Our Bee Jay was too good in the 1200m race for 3yo’s. Jarrod Todd set about chasing down the speedy pacemaker Thornycroft before taking the lead at the 200m. They held on to beat Gold Tap who was again impressive. Our Bee Jay holds a nomination for the 2000 Guineas at Riccarton.
Jarrod Todd also rode Warren The Warrior to victory in the R70 1355m. After missing the jump they settled last before looping the field and finishing best for Ascot Trainer Tommy Beckett. Todd’s third victory came aboard the grey Jardena; this 6yo Kashani Mare trained by Shane Marr blitzed the R70 2000m field by eight lengths.
Chaparella was a dominant winner of the Maiden 1355m; the High Chaparral filly ranged up three wide at the 400m and cleared out to win by over 10 lengths. Jillian Morris will be keen to stick with this 3yo when Trainer Steven Prince lines her up next. Matai Lad produced another gritty run in second place.
Lautenschlager started favourite in the Open 2000m and unwound best to beat Lotus and Bradnor.
The Anderson/Hoffman runner Raarke benefited from a good front running ride by Izuan Khairil to win the Maiden 1200m. Tapinsky and Rin Tin Flin filled the trifecta and looked like they will be winning in the near future. The debut runs of Ima Dude and Le Vin were also encouraging after they were both slow to begin.
Track: Slow 7
Ten competitive races are scheduled for the Gore Racing Club Meeting on Sunday.
The six horse field assembled for the Open 1200m is high on quality with the Tony and Lyn Prendergast’s Artic Ace looking to continue his rich vein of form. High Seas won enough at Riverton to suggest he could upset the favourite, while class sprinter Halobelle is resuming along with Justice Day on his home track.
In the 3yo 1200m race, punters will be keen for Lisa Vaughan’s charge Our Bee Jay to reproduce the form he showed last season. Gold Tap was an impressive maiden winner at Riverton for Kerry King and will have support again. Neil Ridley’s debut runner Thornycroft has won two trials, while his stable mate King Montrose won well on debut and still holds a 2000 Guineas nomination.
Leica Bud and Hit The Bit are likely to test All Spice in the R85 1200m. Chief Ruler, Malisimo and Time Spent are all kicking off their fresh campaigns in this same event. Along with All Spice - John McKay also trains Kelly Cullen who is a big chance in the R70 1355m.
Lotus will be hard to beat in the Open 2000m after recently racing against the best Stayers in the Island. Jamie Bullard will be hoping the short straight will give him an advantage aboard frontrunner Quantum Dude. Gioarchino and Bradnor also have claims in this event.
The debut run of Ima Dude in the Maiden 1200m will be of interest to punters; Ascot Park Horseman Kelly Thompson trains the trial winner, Kelly also trained his dam Ima Royal to 10 career wins. Rin Tin Flin, Tapinsky, Le Vin and Copperhead Road make for a very competitive race.
Jardena has been in good form and deserves to take out the R70 2000m for Shane Marr and Jarrod Todd. You can also make a case for many others in this event including Sinbaad Bay, Island Peak, Feel The Heat, Albuferia and La Vazza.
The big team local horseman Ellis Winsloe has entered on Sunday consists of First Prize, Magic Trick, Winning Magic and debut runners Steffan Road and Winning Girl.
Riverton trainer Kerry King won four of the nine races at Riverton on Wednesday. It was a wet and cold day on the coast with the track downgraded to a Heavy 11 after race seven.
After the scratching of So Far in the Maiden 1100m Iceburg went out the hot favourite but failed miserably in the heavy going. Instead it was Tap 'N Gold who won fresh up under the urgings of Chris Johnson for Kerry King. Johnson also rode the stable mate Gold Tap to an all the way victory in the second Maiden 1100m. Matai Lad raced three wide on the pace in this event and held on well for third.
The magic man’s hat trick was completed in the R70 1200m when he all but carried Caw to the line; they had half a length to spare at the line over the fast closing Danzahorse.
Only five horses contested the R90 1200m after Our Bee Jay was late scratched due to the track conditions. The favourite Kimberly Boy temporarily took the lead entering the straight before High Seas rolled past at the 200m to win by two lengths. It was Jay Misbah’s 100th career win since starting his apprenticeship with Brian and Shane Andertons three years ago.
Just Us kicked off his 7yo season in style for Tapanui Trainer Nikki Blatch with a comfortable win in the R90 1400m. The punters elect Peyow Peyow failed to deliver finishing third, seven lengths behind the winner.
The distance races were testing affairs with the fittest horses coming to the fore, Sinbaad Bay broke through for his maiden win for the Anderson/Hoffman team. Izuan Khairil pushed the 5yo Istidaad gelding out to an 11 length winning margin. Kylie Williams and Lonely George were equally impressive when leading all of the way in the R70 event for Paul Harris, Jardena had an interrupted run and should have finished closer than six lengths away in second place.
Washdyke Trainer Esther Black and The Grand Excuse For A Drink Syndicate had reason to celebrate when Shankar Muniandy and Estrela De Africa won the Maiden 1400m by eight lengths. Muffin Coup put in a big run down the outside for fifth after losing 10 lengths when Miss Fairweather clipped heels and lost her rider Jarrod Todd early in the contest.
Slipstream over raced for Michelle Carston in the R70 1400m but surprisingly never tired and sprinted clear for a six length win over Ventata. It was the Monza 4yo’s second win in five starts for Winton trainer Leda McNeilly.
With the Winton trials being abandoned due to inclement weather, the safety of the reconstructed track could not be approved by the officials in attendance. Therefore the Club’s Spring Meeting will be held at Riverton on Wednesday.
The Paul Richards trained 4yo So Far will make his debut in the opening event the Maiden 1100m. The Sunray Gelding has won two trials and will be piloted by Jay Misbah.
In the second Maiden 1100m, Gold Tap will have the services of Chris Johnson and the added advantage of a good barrier draw. This Kerry King trained gelding showed enough in his 2yo campaign to suggest he is a good chance here. Stablemate Guthrum resumes in the R70 1200m, among the 5yo’s tidy performances last season was a Maiden win here on his home course. Paul Harris also has a capable trio lining up in this led by Madame Rio, Chiquita Babe and Groove Armada.
The Lisa Vaughan runner Our Bee Jay won two juvenile sprints last season and resumes here in the R90 1200m. Michael Pitman will also have his experienced duo Global Emperor and the in form Kimberly Boy primed for the feature event. Pitman can also take out the R90 1400m with Peyow Peyow who ran a good third behind The Twist at Riccarton last month.
The R70 2147m will be a keenly contested race with The Prawn Star and Pegasus Bridge both in reasonable form. Jardena also has major claims for Shane Marr and Jarrod Todd after running second over this distance at Ashburton. Tony and Lyn Prendergast’s mare Bella Queen is another worth considering.
Steve Anderton’s charge Another Pass will have support in the Maiden 1400m after finishing a brave third on debut at Oamaru. Fresh from his Great Northern Hurdles success with Kidunot - Ellis Winsloe has a winning chance in this event if Winning Magic can show his best form. Johnny Phillips 3yo King Prawn raced wide at Oamaru but is drawn well here and has Chris Johnson in the saddle.
Phillips also has Thursday Dawn in the R70 1400m; the 6yo mare was impressive when upsetting a maiden field at Oamaru. Slipstream raced well here over Easter and comes into this fresh for fellow Winton trainer Leda McNeilly.
Selections
Track: Good 3
A firm racing surface at Oamaru helped provide some fast times at the Otago Racing Club Meeting.
Apprentice Jockey Izuan Khairil had a great day out on Friday riding three winners. Izuan’s first win was aboard Shane Marr’s Savabeel Colt Stopover in the Maiden 1200m. Rastus Jack could only add another second placing after receiving a chequered run.
Marr also had success with Mercury Angel in the R80 1400m. Khairil had the 5yo Colombia Mare cruising in the lead throughout and had a length to spare at the finish over outsider Blancpain. Favourites Baci, Saint Zede and Duch were next across the line.
Khairil’s hat trick was completed in the Maiden 1600m aboard $16 shot Thursday Dawn. Winton trainer Johnny Phillips produced the 6yo Kilimanjaro mare in peak condition - to overcome a slow start and interference in the running. Old Boys, Selenus and Freedman filled the minor placings.
Brian and Shane Anderton’s representative Telem was clearly the horse to beat in the Maiden Hurdle after the scratching of Bens Dream. Alan Brown gave the favourite the perfect trip before unleashing the 8yo’s sprint at the top of the lane to win by two lengths ahead of Gaucho, Sunkai and Lautenschlager
The punters elect Kidunot comfortably won the Open Class Hurdle by 12 lengths with Dan Bothamley in the saddle. At the jump at the 2200m mark Vinopolis and in form rider Richard Eynon crashed out of the contest. Eynon was stood down for the remainder of the day leaving Shelly Houston to pick up the ride on Guns N Roses in the Steeplechase. Houston did the job successfully for the Kevin Hughes stable, they narrowly held out the fast finishing Mala Strana.
Another favoured runner Our Lily Belle took out the R75 1200m for apprentice rider Daniel Stackhouse and Ashburton Trainer Jan Hay.
Rangiora trainer Kathryn Thomson prepared Danish Ruler to win the R75 1600m. Jarrod Todd gave the 4yo Viking Ruler gelding a sweet trip and put the winning break on the field at the 400m mark. Romany raced outside the pacemaker and did well to hold second, Martina filled the trifecta, and was again impressive making ground from the back in a fast time.
Track: Dead 4
Quality fields are lined up for the Otago Racing Club eight race program to be held at Oamaru on Friday.
The way Baci won on this course a fortnight ago points to her being difficult to beat in the R80 1400m. Ryan Bishop will again be doing the riding for Kevin Hughes and Steven Kellow. Fellow Riccarton trainer Terrie Rae brings a two pronged attack into this event; Saint Zede has recorded 14 placings in his 23 starts and the equally consistent Duch has nine placings in her 12 starts.
Michael Daly of Washdyke could be in for a great day, 6yo mare Martina finished strongly behind Baci last start and looks set to record her fifth career win in the R75 1600m. Rastus Jack will be at short odds in the Maiden 1200m after finishing second in his last two starts in July. Daly also has a leading hope in the Maiden Hurdle with Bens Dream who finished two lengths behind Governor Bois on the second day of National carnival. Three days later Lautenschlager recorded his best jumping result when third behind Governor Bois and Telem in a special conditions hurdle. After 2950 metres these three are expected to fight out the finish.
Gore trainer Ellis Winsloe will saddle the favourite in the Open Class Hurdle; Kidunot ran fourth in the Hawkes Bay Hurdles and third here behind Pascoe before bypassing the National meeting. Pam Gerard also has strong claims in this with Smeagol and Vinopolis.
Mala Strana is yet to succeed over the jumps for Brian and Shane Anderton but Fridays Open Steeplechase will be a much easier assignment than her last start in the Grand National. Finntorri won a Maiden Steeple here in May and has been competitive in his three subsequent starts over the big fences. Guns N Roses has placed in three Maiden Steeples over the winter and will be well ready for this after finishing fourth in a R70 2100m at Ashburton last week.
Stand And Deliver can take out the R75 1200m, the 4yo Commands gelding won a R80 at Ashburton last week by three lengths. Leeward Prevails is another contender; this nicely bred mare also won over this distance at Riccarton last start.
Track: Dead 4
The first race meeting of the Gallop South season was held at Oamaru on Sunday.
Baci scored a commanding victory in the Rating 80 1600m for Kevin Hughes and Steven Kellow. Jockey Ryan Bishop jumped this 6yo Bertolini straight to the front and cleared out to win by four lengths ahead of Martina.
Burnham horseman Neil Ridley took out the 3yo Maiden 1200m with the warm favourite King Montrose. After previously winning two trials aboard this Kings Chapel gelding Jillian Morris rode him with confidence, they crossed to the lead early in the running and had a neck to spare over Xcelme at the post.
Asthecrowflys finally rewarded Peter and Dawn Williams and some frustrated punters with an overdue victory in the Maiden 1200m. At the top of the straight Dan Bothamley pushed the 5yo gelding through a gap and galloped away for a two length win over the fast finishing Honora Flynn. The Williams stable also had success in the Maiden 1600m with Pinch who was ridden by Ashley Mundy.
After being held up at the 300m mark Terry Mosely steered James Bridge into space and flew home to beat Bilbo Baggins in the R65 1400m. The 5yo Istitaad gelding is prepared by Tony and Lyn Prendergast.
Mosely’s second win came aboard Danz A Rook in the R75 2200m. The win was shared with Zman Zulkifli and Gioarchino after the two couldn’t be separated in a photo finish. Matriarchs’ of the Gallop South training ranks Val Christophers of Winton and Marion Stevenson of Wingatui were happy to share the spoils.
Mosely’s hat trick was completed when outsider Hey Mr Bee Jay beat the favourite Monkey Business by half a neck in the R65 1600m. The 6yo Seasoned Star gelding is trained at Riccarton by Sandy Cunningham.
Izuan Khairil rode Mercury Angel to victory in the Rating 75 1200m for Shane Marr. The Gary Trusttum runner Feel The Heat was a comfortable Maiden winner over 2200m with Jason Laking in the saddle.
Track: Dead 4
Nine races are programed for the first race meeting of the Gallop South season at Oamaru on Sunday. Ross Beckett, Peter and Dawn Williams, Kevin Hughes and Steven Kellow, and Kylie Williams are all expected kick off the season in style.
Baci can take out the feature event on the card, the Rating 80 1600m for Hughes and Kellow.
Ryan Bishop will again be riding this mare after they finished second to Malachite at Riccarton. Martina and High Risk also have winning claims.
Stand And Deliver will have deserved support in the Rating 75 1200m after being run down late by Leeward Prevails at Riccarton. La Vazza, Mercury Angel and Our Lilly Belle are other leading chances.
Beckett and Robinson can take out the 3yo Maiden 1200m with Xcelme. The Riccarton duo are also expected to be to the fore in the Maiden 1600m with Double Ar. Other leading hopes in this are Pinch and All Set for Peter and Dawn Williams.
Asthecrowflys is overdue for a win and should score in the Maiden 1200m for the Williams stable. Honora Flynn and Pocket Money can also pay a dividend for the Neil Ridley barn.
Musket Mick is now owned and trained by leading South Island Jockette Kylie Williams. The 5yo Pins Gelding fought on gamely for fifth on this track last month and is a good chance in the R65 1400m. Kylie also has some good rides on Sunday aboard the Paul Harris trained runners, Lonely George in the R75 2200m, Miss Key in the R80 1600m and Thames Street in the Maiden 2200m. Although Thames Street will have his work cut out to beat the consistent Sinbaad Bay.
The R65 1600m is a hard race to figure out, Mr Incredible, Heathcote and Bring On The Reign are well worth including in multiples.
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