PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK

The Cossack

Despite Dragon Leap putting up a great performance to win the Gr.2 Waikato Stud Foxbridge Plate, I thought The Cossack’s emphatic return to winning form in the CLC Pakuranga Hunt Cup was worth highlighting. The champion jumper reclaimed his throne, having suffered an unlucky defeat when finishing 3^rd in the Grant Plumbing Wellington Steeplechase back in July. Reunited with his regular rider, Aaron Kuru, The Cossack dominated his rivals in the feature steeplechase event, clearing out by 5.3L at the line.

MILESTONE OF THE WEEK

Sam Spratt

It was a memorable Sunday for one of the country’s best riders in Sam Spratt, as she brought up 1000 winners in fine fashion at Matamata with a riding double. Two well judged rides from Spratt brought up Phillip Stevens first win of the season with Thermoregulate and Michael Rogers first win of the season with Con Artist.

FLASHING LIGHT

Belclare

Last start winner of the Gr.1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ stakes, Belclare was arguably the run of the race in the Gr.2 Waikato Stud Foxbridge Plate. Although Belclare missed a placing in the feature event on Saturday, she came from second last turning into the straight, before unleashing a powerful sustained run down the outer. Belclare recorded the fastest closing 800m, 600m, 400m and 200m sectionals of the race, suggesting she has picked up from where she left off last season.

TRIAL TIP

Zourion

In what was a heat full of quality gallopers, I thought the first trial back of unbeaten 3yo, Zourion, had plenty of merit. Winner of the Gr.2 J Swap Contractors Ltd Matamata Breeders’ Stakes last season, Zourion looks to have come back in great order ahead of her 3yo campaign.  The 1000 Guineas in November looks to be her target this preparation, where she currently is the second favourite at $8.00. She looks to be one to keep an eye on moving through this season.

GAP JOB

Crickets Chirping

Crickets Chirping spaced her rivals in the 3yo SW&P event at Awapuni on Saturday. Coming into the race off the back of a nice run for 4^th in the Ryder Stakes (L) at her prior start, Crickets Chirping look well placed to get her first career win. The Allan Sharrock trained 3yo filly had blinkers on for the first time, which looked to do the trick, as the Belardo filly stretched out for an ever-increasing 5.8L victory.