PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK

Carbonados

Exceptional debut win by this 2yo son of Belardo on Saturday at New Plymouth. It appears there was an expectation this Allan Sharrock debutant would run well on debut, having firmed significantly in the market from $3.20 all the way into $2.00 as the starter let them go. Amless Bohorun rode the perfect race on Carbonados, springing the gates and obtaining a perfect trailing sit before extricating off the fence at the bend and sailing away down the straight for a 4.8L victory. Carbonados recording the fastest closing 200m of the day, safe to say there looks to be plenty more in store for this talented galloper.

RIDE OF THE WEEK

Johnathan Parkes – Right Now

A well-timed move at the 1000m by Johnathan Parkes aboard Right Now, saw the pair outstay their rivals in the 2600m contest at New Plymouth on Saturday. With the race being run at a sedate tempo for the first 1600m, Parkes was struggling to restrain Right Now in his one out, three back position. Electing not to hold Right Now back any longer, the pair pulled out and bowled freely from the 1000m, with Johnathan Parkes deciding to push for the lead rather than be caught three-wide without cover for the remainder. The move proved to be a winning one, as throughout the race Johnathan Parkes and Right Now were racing directly to the outside of eventual runner-up, Legally Blonde, with the midrace move securing them a winning buffer.

HORSES TO FOLLOW

Race 7 Riverton, 10 May

Imabuster

In treacherous conditions at Riverton on Wednesday, many runners found it awfully difficult to make any ground in the Heavy10 going. Backers of Imabuster were put through a rollercoaster of emotions throughout the 1200m contest. Landing an ideal spot with cover early, Imabuster looked to be travelling well within himself until the 800m, where the leaders dropped anchor, causing the field to bunch prior to the turn. Imabuster amidst all this bunching, went from 4^th and 1L off the leaders to last and 5L off the leaders turning. Balancing up and storming late, he missed out narrowly on the win. A win doesn’t look far off for Imabuster, he looks primed to clear maiden ranks at his next visit to the races.

Race 2 Wanganui, 11 May

Interllectus

A dominant jumping display, coupled with a patient ride from Shaun Fannin, saw Interllectus space his rivals by 9L on the line in the deteriorating conditions at Wanganui on Thursday. Letting Raucous and Obrigado do battle out in front, Fannin waited until the final 800m to pull Interllectus to the outer and set his sights on the leaders. The pair worked their way past their rivals with two hurdles to clear and coasted away for a comfortable victory. Interllectus looks a very smart jumper who will be one to follow in the feature jumping races over the coming months.

Race 1 Matamata, 14 May 

Glenamaddy

Eye-catching late finish from this son of Preferment in the Heavy10 going at Matamata on Sunday. Getting well back in the running, Glenamaddy looked to be under immense pressure from Joe Kamaruddin before the bend, in what turned into a slog to the finish over the 2000m. Once he balanced up, Glenamaddy charged through the tough conditions, running into 2^nd behind Te Atatu Memphis whilst beating the rest of the field home by 2.5L. I expect this horse to relish the winter racing ahead, hopefully delivering Benji King his maiden victory in the near future.