PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK

Aaron Kuru 

Aaron Kuru came back across the Tasman for four rides at Te Rapa on Saturday, with the champion jumps jockey saluting the judge on all four. Kuru started his day off with an easy win in the first race aboard The Mighty Spar, before saluting in the following race aboard Nedwin in the Fairview Motors Waikato Hurdle. The two steeplechase contests were also two very comfortable wins for Aaron Kuru, with Whiskey Tango and The Cossack winning by 7.5L and 7.8L respectively.

RIDE OF THE WEEK

Craig Grylls - Ideal

The ride from Craig Grylls on Ideal was nothing short of ideal for followers of the Sharrock trained Savabeel mare. The lightly tried 5yo daughter of Group One winning mare I Do was first up for 6 months, with Grylls allowing Ideal to find her feet after only stepping away moderately from the barriers. Passing the 600m, the pair were getting shuffled back to near last, so rather than waiting for an opportunity to head wide, Grylls elected to steer a passage inside of the field. In the space of 200m, Ideal went from 8^th to 1^st, powering underneath runners in the trying conditions. The decision from Craig to cut the corner, allowing Ideal to gallop uninterrupted on the inside of runners was potentially the winning of the race.

Race 1 Riccarton Synthetic, 15 June

Russian Rosette

The manner in which Russian Rosette won the first race from Riccarton Synthetic on Thursday was simply arrogant. Diego Montes De Oca barely moved a muscle aboard Russian Rosette throughout the 1200m contest, with the 3yo filly by Russian Revolution coasting to a 1.5L victory on the line. Despite Montes De Oca not asking Russian Rosette to run a step, the time they ran for the maiden 1200m measured up to the two R65 1200m contests on the day, suggesting this filly can progress through the grades.

Race 3 Awapuni Synthetic, 16 June

Stonybreck

Smart win by Stonybreck at Awapuni Synthetic on Friday. The 1200m first up on the synthetic was likely short of his ideal trip, however, Niranjan Parmar gave the 3yo son of Tavistock plenty of clear running, which saw him clear out for an impressive victory late. Stonybreck has always looked like a horse with plenty of upside, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him competing at the top-level next season.

Race 1 Awapuni, 17 June

Tarazetto

3yo Tarzino filly who was backed as if unbeatable prior to her debut 5^th at Awapuni on Saturday. The Robbie Patterson trained runner was debuting off the back of an impressive trial win back in May, where she looked to show plenty of upside. I think it’s safe to say this debut run is a complete forgive, as Tarazetto was slowly away and never looked to get into the race at any point. Going off the market support and trial win prior, Tarazetto is one to follow from the Robbie Patterson stable going forward.