PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK

Justaskme

We saw a pretty incredible performance at New Plymouth on Saturday in the Listed Sinclair Electrical and Refrigeration Opunake Cup. Allan Sharrock’s son of No Excuse Needed, could be excused after he was slow out of the barriers and ridden along for a large majority of the 1400 metres on a track which had seemingly favoured those near the speed and closer to the rail. He was conceding the majority of the field 7kgs and an enormous head start as they turned for home, but managed to reel them in and win by three-quarters of a length. The win was Justaskme’s 12th from 34 starts and will likely run a short-priced favourite in the Gr.3 Winter Cup on Saturday 5 August.

RIDE OF THE WEEK

Tayla Mitchell

It could be the first time a jockey has been awarded ‘Ride of the Week’ for running last in any racing jurisdiction, however I don’t think many could argue with the skills on display by New Zealand’s leading apprentice, Tayla Mitchell aboard Yellow Jersey in the final event at Tauranga on Saturday.

ONE TO WATCH

Benji King

Glenamaddy, winner of the final race at Hastings last Thursday, was the first as a trainer for young horseman Benji King with just his fifth runner to the races. With a strong background in the breeding industry through his family’s stud Brighthill Farm, Benji also spent some time overseas as a recipient of the Sunline Trust Management Scholarship and later with Sir Mark Todd in England. With a rounded background in the industry, he’s no doubt set to make his mark and one to watch for the future!

FLASHING LIGHT

Strathtay

Strathtay lined up in the fourth race at Tauranga on Saturday and looks a horse that can win a race over ground in the near future. The son of Preferment settled in the back half of the field over 1600m and had his momentum halted at a couple of key stages in the race, most importantly at the 200 metre-mark as he looked to make his run and a gap closed before Ace Lawson-Carroll could take it. He managed to regain momentum, charging into third and was strong through the line, suggesting he’ll appreciate a step up in distance.

FUTURES FOLLOW

Cork

We identified Cork as a solid futures play for the Gr.3 Winter Cup in our ‘Futures Find’ article on the basis that she absolutely loves Heavy tracks and there’s a distinct possibility that she’ll find one in the Mile feature on August 5. Her win on Saturday at Tauranga was soft in the end, aided by a lovely Jessica Allen ride, which saw her price tumble in to $10 from the $31 on offer before Saturday. She’s booked her ticket to Christchurch after Saturday and trainer Pam Gerard is happy with her development, confirming that they’ll target the Winter Cup as her next start, “Cork has come back a much stronger mare this season and now that she’s won she deserves a chance in a race that should suit her.”