Free going galloper Natural Momentum never gave his rivals a look in as he led from barrier rise to take out the feature open sprint contest at Oamaru on Sunday, the Glenmoa Farms Ltd River Plate Trophy (1200m). 

The six-year-old son of Natural Destiny was having just his second start in a new campaign having kicked off at Ashburton earlier in the month over 1200m, his first start since February 2023. 

Trainer Bruce Tapper wasn’t afraid to take on some hardy winter performers and with Kendra Bakker in the saddle, his charge carried the featherweight of just 52.5kgs courtesy of Bakker’s apprentice allowance. 

Natural Momentum began smartly for Bakker but was immediately challenged by Miss Harley Quinn as the pair set up a solid pace in front throughout. 

Bakker eased her mount away from his pursuers rounding the home bend and despite being challenged by the highly favoured pair of Midnight Runner and Street Fightin Man in the closing stages, he maintained a strong gallop to register his third career victory in a handy 1.15.2 on the Heavy 10 surface. 

Tapper had been concerned the task may have proved a little tough as his charge was only second up but was pleased to see him back to his best. 

“He was sore in a fetlock, so we put him away for a decent break and gave him plenty of time to get over that,” Tapper said. 

“He went nicely first up at Ashburton, but I was a little worried as sometimes that can flatten them and thought he may have needed one more run. 

“The claim of Kendra played its part though and he did it quite nicely. 

“She rode him really well and the ground against the rail looked as good as any, so she kept him hard up against it and got the job done.” 

Tapper doesn’t have any plans at this stage for the rest of the winter and will take some time to assess his options once he sees what sort of ratings rise his charge will receive from the handicapper. 

“He will cop plenty of points for that, so we’ll just wait and see before we get too far ahead of ourselves,” he said. 

“We will take him home and he can have an easy time of it although he will still have work to do as he is our babysitter, and we use him to help educate the young ones and take them through the gates etc. 

“He does a great job and is a lovely horse, so we’re thrilled to see him back winning again.” 

Raced under the Clearview Park banner, Natural Momentum is out of the Centaine mare Contrary and comes from an extended family that includes stakes performers Vera’s Pal, who won fifteen races and was Group One placed, and Gr.2 JJ Liston Stakes (1400m) winner Jim’s Mate.