PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK

Nedwin

A tremendous staying performance saw Nedwin clear out from his rivals in the Open Handicap 2200m event, winning by 13L on the line. Allowed to bowl along in front by Kate Hercock, Nedwin put his rivals to the sword, heading to the outside rail and running strongly through the line. Despite being a highly regarded hurdler nowadays, Nedwin has won his two flat runs to kick off his campaign, which bodes well for him heading into this season’s feature hurdle targets.

RIDE OF THE WEEK

Warren Kennedy – Shadez

Daring tactics from Warren Kennedy to hug the rail aboard Shadez in the heavy conditions at Tauranga on Wednesday proved to be winning tactics for the pair. While the rest of the field scouted wider on the track in search of better ground, Warren Kennedy elected to save ground and stay closer to the fence, saving many lengths in the process. Although the pair found themselves on inferior footing, a strong Warren Kennedy drive down the straight saw the pair defy all challengers.

HORSES TO FOLLOW

Race 4 Wingatui, 26 May

Robbie Burns

In what was only his second run back since September 2022, I thought the effort from Robbie Burns to place at Wingatui on Friday was full of merit. Robbie Burns recorded the fastest closing 800m 600m and 400m of the race, before peaking on his run over the latter stages. On a day where few runners were seen to make any ground early in the day, the run of Robbie Burns was much more impressive than it may have looked to the eye. Drawing the outside barrier in both resuming runs hasn’t aided Robbie Burns’ chances either, he looks to be racing well enough to pick up career win no.2 at short notice.

Race 2 Pukekohe, 27 May

Alchemia

Alchemia was first-up since August 2022, where she resumed for a strong 2^nd at Pukekohe on Saturday. Michael McNab looked to be doing handstands aboard Alchemia, with the mare sidling up to her opposition on the bridle in the early stages of the straight. Understandably, Alchemia’s lack of recent racing proved to be a telling factor in the Heavy10 conditions, as she peaked on her run late and was reeled in by Kai over the latter stages. Alchemia looks to have come back in terrific order, I expect she will be hard to beat wherever she lines up next.

Race 3 Trentham, 27 May 

West Coast

Having featured on last week’s edition of the Five to Follow, West Coast delivered in fine fashion on the 7-day back up over the hurdles at Trentham on Saturday. The talented jumper looked to be coasting under Shaun Fannin throughout, with the pair sailing away for an 8L victory in the testing conditions. West Coast will only continue to thrive as his jumping campaign progresses, will definitely pay to follow him when he heads towards feature steeplechase targets.