Five to Follow - 18 July
PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK
West Coast
The performance basically wrote itself this week. Billed as a match race, the Grant Plumbing Wellington Steeplechase ended up being an easy watch for West Coast’s connections after unfortunate interference to main rival, The Cossack. The 5500m feature steeplechase around Trentham’s figure-eight course was as always, a spectacle to watch. A patient ride from Shaun Fannin saw West Coast improve into the race at the perfect moment as the field headed for the course proper around the bend. One of the more exciting steeplechasers New Zealand has had in recent years put in another flawless jumping performance and was the toughest stayer on the day. Bring on next month’s Grand National Steeplechase at Riccarton as West Coast looks to defend his crown and trainer Mark Oulaghan bids for his 8th win in the race.
RIDE OF THE WEEK
Temyia Taiaroa – Zivjeli
On a day where the track was heavy and riders seemed keen to get wide in the search for better going, Temyia Taiaroa clearly knew her mount was handling the going and made the most of her inside barrier. A patient ride from the jump, she let the horse travel and get into a rhythm before she started her run in to the straight, saving every inch of ground, not going around a runner. With the margin being just a long neck, it’s clear the cagey ride from the apprentice was the winning of the race. Congratulations Temyia, who recorded her 80th career win aboard Zivjeli.
An honourable mention must go to Sam Mynott after her ride on Invisible Spirit in Race 2 at Trentham on Saturday.
Making her jumps riding debut, it was nearly a fairytale start for the talented horsewoman. Controlling the tempo and riding the fences well, Sam and Invisible Spirit were headed before the final fence, but the pair measured the last well and jumped back to the front only to go down a small margin in the end. An all but perfect debut over the fences, Sam is a welcome addition to the jumps riding ranks.
SMALL STABLE
Patricia – Rick Wells (Ruakaka Race 3)
It was a David and Goliath like battle throughout Race 3 at Ruakaka on Saturday. The two race favourites Patricia and Dancarina settled 1st & 2nd in the run and stayed there for the entirety. Dancarina of course from the all-conquering Mark Walker stable (196 winners, 1,264 starters) and Patricia locally trained by Rick Wells (3 winners, 11 starters). A thrilling battle as the pair eyeballed one another at the top of the straight and went toe-to-toe until the line, where Patricia was able to hold a nose margin and score her 3rd win of the season. Patricia in fact being the only runner Rick Wells has presented so far this season, having won 3 of her 11 starts in 2022-23.
RUNNING HOT
Michael & Matthew Pitman (Riccarton Synthetic)
A quiet Wednesday meeting on the Riccarton Synthetic was anything but for the Michael & Matthew Pitman Stable. With just eight races on the card, the local stable scored at 50% with 4 winners in the last 5 races. Russian Rosette justified the short price in Race 4, then Golden Harvest ran away from them in Race 5. Not to be outdone, Da Vinci Girl, leapt out of the pack at long odds under the strong urgings of Kate Hercock to win by a nose and finally, one of the Souths more in-form horses at the moment, Proserve kept his unblemished synthetic record (2 starts, 2 wins) intact with a cozy 3 ¾ length win in the last.
MARKET MOVER
Boot It Scooter – Lance Robinson (Riccarton Synthetic Race 6)
Punters sure won this round. The Lance Robinson trained Boot It Scooter opening at the double figure price of $12 was backed all the way in the $5.10 at the jump and with the gun ride from Tina Comignahi stalking the speed, the race looked over from the 200m mark when the pair shot to the front. Bluey’s Chance chased hard to the line, but it was all in vain as punters were already in the queue to collect.
