PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK

Triston Moodley

4kg claiming apprentice, Triston Moodley, rode his first career winner in Race 4 at Ruakaka on Wednesday aboard No Agenda Nigel for Stephen Ralph. Triston clearly developed a taste for success, as he went on to salute in his very next ride aboard Silk ‘N’ Dale. He may have taken a few rides to get this maiden win, however, he looks to be a highly talented apprentice who should find plenty of success over the winter and beyond with his claim.

RIDE OF THE WEEK

Wiremu Pinn - Proserve

After blowing the start, it took a near perfect ride from Wiremu Pinn aboard Proserve to see them salute in Race 3 from Riccarton on Saturday. Being at least 10 lengths off the leaders at the 600m, Wiremu made the crucial decision to stick closer to the rail rather than follow runners heading to the outer when mounting their runs into the home straight. From here, Pinn and Proserve ducked and weaved their way through the field, powering away for a 1.8L victory on the line. These split second decisions from Wiremu Pinn over the latter stages of the race were key to Proserve being able to win after the tardy getaway.

HORSES TO FOLLOW

Race 4 Riccarton Synthetic, 4 May

Final Savings

This race was dominated by those who were sitting on the speed, with the first three home being in the first four in running throughout. Final Savings was the obvious eyecatcher late, recording the fastest closing 600m, 400m and 200m of the race and day. The synthetic racing over the winter should suit this gelding, although his racing pattern does rely on tempo/luck in running.

Race 5 Otaki, 5 May

Belladonna Lily

Belladonna Lily was simply luckless at Otaki on Friday. She looked to be travelling very well before the turn, where she unfortunately went on to find dead ends on two separate occasions down the straight. She’s done nothing wrong in her short career to date, having not been unplaced in all five career runs. She’s well overdue for that maiden win, expect it may not be far away for her with even luck going forward.

Race 2 Te Rapa, 6 May

Whatanight

I had Whatanight marked as a value bet at Te Rapa last Saturday, in a race where he opened around $12, before being supported heavily into a $5 second favourite. From the wide gate, Warren Kennedy took a hold early, with the pair settling at the back of the field throughout. Down the straight, Whatanight didn’t look all that comfortable making his run amongst the field, before running out of room at the very end of the race. He has an action that looks to get through the heavy ground comfortably enough, I expect he will have taken improvement from that run and could even be better over further as he progresses through this campaign.