PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK

Makabar 

There was very little market confidence to suggest that Makabar would be a winning chance at Riccarton on Saturday, let alone win in the fashion he did. After settling back early in the 1200m contest, Makabar looked to be struggling under urgings from Kavish Chowdhoory at the top of the straight. The strong tempo set in front saw many begin to struggle over the concluding stages, whilst Makabar was powering home late, undeterred by the conditions, winning by nearly 2L on the line.

RIDE OF THE WEEK

Kozzi Asano – Popthebubbles

A brilliant rails-hugging ride from Kozzi Asano aboard Popthebubbles saw them run away and win by over 6L at Wanganui on Wednesday. Despite jumping cleanly, Popthebubbles was shuffled back towards the rear of the field into a tricky position on the rail. Kozzi didn’t panic, patiently waiting for the gap to open on the rail which eventually came. From there, Kozzi Asano and Popthebubbles continued to hug the fence and when the run came the pair burst away for a very easy win late.

Race 3 Pukekohe, 21 June 

Hit The Switch

I thought this was a very brave performance from Hit The Switch at Pukekohe on Wednesday where he rallied hard to finish a neck 2^nd. From the outside gate (10), Elen Nicholas and Hit The Switch ended up being caught out on a limb three wide on the speed after only jumping moderately. Despite this, Hit The Switch kept coming all the way down the long Pukekohe straight, only going down a neck to C’est Moi, who had a much more economical run in transit.

Race 8 Pukekohe, 21 June

Grease Lightning

In a race where most struggled to make up any ground on the leaders, Grease Lightning caught the eye when ploughing through the conditions down the outside rail and recording the fastest closing 800m, 600m, 400m and 200m of the race. This was Grease Lightning’s fourth run back this preparation, I expect she will continue to improve into the winter, as the wet tracks seem to aid her more than most.

Race 4 Oamaru, 22 June 

Atomic

Atomic was very slowly away from the barriers, landing at the rear of the field and close to 15L off the leaders throughout. After cutting the corner, Atomic ran home resolutely along the rail, finishing 3.4L off the leaders at the line. This was the first time Terry Kennedy had applied blinkers to this 4yo mare, which looked to work to great effect for Atomic. With a cleaner getaway, she looks close to another win if she can avoid the very Heavy tracks.