PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK

Warren Kennedy

A rider who wasted no time in cementing a position at the top of the countries riding ranks when relocating to New Zealand last season is making an early statement in the 2023/24 season. Bagging a four-timer at Phar Lap Raceway on Friday, adding to his tally of 7 winners last week alone, Warren has moved to within 1 of the top spot on the rider’s premiership. He is a rider who is chasing rides across the land and one trainers are desperate to put on their runners and punters are following with confidence.

FIRST UP FOLLOW

Aquacade

This year’s edition of the Listed Team Wealleans Matamata cup certainly packed some star power, and it was the run of the resuming staying mare Aquacade that really impressed. As expected, she got back off a moderate speed and Warren Kennedy rode the race a treat, getting on the back of the short priced favourite entering the straight. Aquacade chased Legarto hard to the line over the final few hundred meters and was sensational sectionally, with the fastest last 600m, 400m & 200m of the race. We know she is good, but she showed she is back this prep and is certainly a horse to keep an eye on as we close in on the summer cups.

ON THE BOARD

Caley Myers

A family name that almost every New Zealand racing fan will have heard, the daughter of legendary trainer Kevin Myers, Caley Myers has entered the training ranks. Having just her fourth runner to the races, Caley presented I’m Ronaldo in the last event at Woodville where the son of Dissident closed hard late in the race to reel in the tearaway leader and give Caley a memorable day at the races. With just a small team of horses in training, it is exciting to see the talented horse woman plying her trade in the training ranks.

GAP JOB

Poetic Champion

It’s safe to say, plenty of punters were expecting a ‘gap job’ in this race at Hawera on Saturday with a $1.30 favourite in the event, but a few probably didn’t think it would be Poetic Champion racing away to score by 6.3 lengths. The stunning 2YO of Tony Pikes sat outside the leader throughout and had basically put the race to bed at the top of the straight. With an electric turn of foot, the son of Super Seth was able to secure a first winner for his sire and a very impressive one with that.

MARKET MOVER

Mi Amigo

Punters certainly won this round as Mi Amigo dived right on the line to catch the race leader at Tauranga on Wednesday. With an opening quote of $13, the TAB couldn’t turn the tap off for the Stephen Ralph trained galloper as he jumped at a price of $4.60. Consequently, it was also rider Gareth Lahoud’s first race day success. The South African apprentice is starting to make a name for himself and the salute on the line suggested he sure did enjoy riding hard against our champion jockey Michael McNab in the finish to score this win.