Game set and match Avantage
Te Akau Racing secured their second consecutive Listed Karaka Million (1200m) when flying filly Avantage carried their tangerine and blue colours to victory at Ellerslie yesterday.
The Fastnet Rock filly started favourite in the race after she had been unbeaten in her first three starts including an impressive win at her first look around Ellerslie a fortnight ago.
With five Te Akau runners in the event, the choice of the stable’s leading rider, Opie Bosson, was a crucial indicator as he plumped for Avantage despite the filly carrying 54.5kgs, a weight that is normally out of reach for the heavyweight rider.
Earlier in the evening Bosson had indicated he was struggling badly to meet the lightweight target however he weighed out at the correct mark, determined to reap the rewards of the battle.
What followed was a pictureperfect display on Avantage as he utilised an inside barrier draw to have the filly tracking the speed throughout. Asked to move into contention, Avantage lengthened beautifully to snatch the lead from pacemaker Bocce at the 200m mark and hold out the challenge of stablemate Al Hasa who stormed home late for visiting rider Hugh Bowman. Bocce clung grimly to third from stablemate She’s A Thief who battled gamely after being held up approaching the home turn.
“I always knew she was the one to ride and the only worry I had was trying to make the weight,” said Bosson.
“I busted my arse to do it and even this morning I was thinking I wish I had picked one of the colts as it would have been easier.
“When something like this happens it’s really worth it.
“She’s just a natural racehorse which makes the job so much easier. She really impressed me first-up and had so much improvement in her.
“I got the perfect run although turning for home I thought the leader had us in trouble.
“Once she balanced up she really stepped up and it was all over.”