Te Akau Racing gelding Baronet continued his winning form in the I.C.I.B Financial Independence 1200 on Sunday at Tauranga, aided by a well-rated ride by Wiremu Pinn.

After scoring a front-running victory in the opening race with Night Warrior, Pinn was assertive early with designs on the lead aboard Baronet, controlling the tempo through the mid-stages and as the challengers started to level, he pulled away to stretch the field early in the home straight.

Storming clear at the 300m, Baronet had the victory all sealed up and cruised to the line comfortably to score by 5 ¼ lengths to Highly Anticipated and Madiran, who were separated by a nose.

The success was Pinn’s second aboard Baronet after winning on June 27 at Te Aroha, breaking a drought dating back to his debut victory in September 2022.

Mark Walker, who trains the son of Contributer in partnership with Sam Bergerson, was thrilled to see the gelding continuing to thrive through the winter period.

“We think the confidence he gained from the win last time at Te Aroha, and all the schooling he’s doing over the big hurdles, has really turned his form around,” Walker said.

“Wiremu had him away from the gates quickly again today, so it was another lovely ride, and the owners are being rewarded for their patience. 

“He was a debut winner last season over 1200 metres and placed eight times before winning again, so he’s very consistent and now strung a couple of strong wins together. 

“He’s obviously going to be up in grade now, but I think these wins and the extra maturity will mean that he remains competitive in Rating 75 grade.” 

The gelding is out of an O’Reilly mare Alpha Dame, who was unraced but is a half-sister to Group Two performer Queen Of Pop.

Among his breeders was Simms Davison, who sold the gelding under his Mapperley Stud banner for $135,000 at the 2021 Karaka Yearling Sales to Te Akau principal David Ellis.