Endless Drama lives up to name
WELLINGTON: Fireworks were expected at Te Rapa on Saturday as several of last season’s equine stars began their new spring campaigns in the group 2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m), and it was recent group 2 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) placegetter Endless Drama who delivered with a stunning victory.
The Tony Piketrained 8yrold had been given a short letup after returning from Brisbane, with Pike mindful of keeping weight off his giant frame.
That decision paid off big time, as the former Chris Wallertrained galloper paraded as a picture of health before the race, with punters installing him an $8 fourth favourite.
Given an economical trip from an inside barrier, Endless Drama settled in midfield during the early stages of the contest as Malambo and Southern Icon duelled out in front.
Rider Leith Innes had his charge off the fence at the 600m, and the combination glided into contention before Innes asked for an effort at the 300m. Endless Drama responded instantly and sprinted clear before holding out the late charge of Te Akau Shark, who stormed home from secondlast to pip outsider Comeback for second.
Pike was delighted with the result as he prepares his charge for a tilt at the group 1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings in a fortnight.
‘‘He’s become a real stable pet, this horse,’’ Pike said.
‘‘There was a big query on the track but it was a perfect ride from Leith. The biggest thing is just waiting as he has only got a short, sharp sprint but he waited and waited and got it right today.’’
Pike had been confident of his chances during the race after the way he saw the horse was travelling during the running.
‘‘He settles beautifully in his races, although he got a bit further back than we thought.
‘‘1200m is probably a touch short but he was electric late and now we’re looking forward to going to Hawkes Bay over 1400m, although I’m hoping he won’t run into Te Akau Shark as hopefully he is heading to Australia and we don’t have to have another crack at him.’’
Te Akau Shark will now head to Sydney for the group 2 Tramway Stakes (1400m) at Royal Randwick on September 7 with his main mission being the group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) at the same venue on October 5.
The victory represents win number five from 26 starts for Endless Drama, who commenced his career in Ireland before joining Chris Waller’s Australian stable in late 2016 where he won the group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m) before transferring to Pike earlier this year, following an unplaced run in the group 1 WFA Classic (1600m). — NZ Racing Desk