TRAINING PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK

Robbie Patterson

Wellington Cup Day was the stuff dreams are made of for trainer Robbie Patterson, with the Taranaki horseman winning both the Gr.1 Harcourts Team Group Thornden Mile and Gr.3 NZ Campus of Innovation and Sport Wellington Cup. Robbie Patterson had two runners in the Gr.1 Thornden Mile, with Puntura continuing his exceptional form this campaign, whilst One Bold Cat ran another honest race to finish 4^th. Mary Louise capped off the trainer’s day, winning the Gr.3 Wellington Cup in emphatic fashion, securing a memorable double for Robbie Patterson.

RIDING PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK

Jasmine Fawcett

Jasmine Fawcett capitalised on a strong book of rides at Gore on Saturday. The in-form jockey rode four winners on the card, which was highlighted by Aberlour winning the Listed Liquourland Gore Guineas, as well as the MLT Gore Cup aboard Humbucker. Along with these feature race victories, Fawcett steered home Shockallia and Capistrano Rocs to victory to cap off a very successful day in the saddle.

Honourable Mention

Craig Grylls

Craig Grylls also had a strong day in the saddle on Saturday, where he rode a treble whilst picking up two feature race wins aboard Puntura and Mary Louise at Trentham.

Flashing Light

Arkadus

Arkadus was extremely unlucky at Te Rapa on Wednesday, as he looked to be travelling extra before the turn, whilst being held up at crucial stages of the race. The penny may have finally dropped with the well-bred son of Gr.1 NZ Oaks winning mare, Fanatic, as he turned in his best career performance to date over the 2100m trip. Arkadus is one to follow as he should be nearing a maiden victory going off Wednesday’s gallant 2^nd placing.  

Performance Of The Week

Alexandra Quick

Backers of Alexandra Quick could not be blamed for tearing up their tickets on Saturday, with the Allan Sharrock trained mare not looking remotely likely until the final 200m. The win on Saturday was very similar to Alexandra Quick’s debut victory, where she was slowly away and struggled to keep in touch with the field until halfway down the home straight. The final 600m from Alexandra Quick was brilliant, coming home in 10.86s, 10.67s and 11.27s for her closing splits. Allan Sharrock looks to have another very exciting horse on his hands who looks to have a very bright future.

Plunge Lands

Mogul

Punters climbed into Mogul in Race 5 at Riccarton on Thursday, firming from $6.50 into $2.40 before the jump. The Andrew Carston trained 3yo sustained a barnstorming sprint down the outside from near last to snatch victory at the line. Having performed well at stakes level previously, the drop back to maiden company for Mogul proved to be well within his reach on Thursday. He looks to be a horse with plenty of upside who could go on with it.