Riddell and Saint are too good for greys
THE grey spectacle at New Plymouth on Saturday was won by the class horse of the field Saint Emilion as rain swept across Pukekura Raceway.
The tough Mastercraftsman gelding had to call on all his reserves of energy to get past outsider Watch Your Man in the Powerworx Greys (1600m).
Experienced jockey Jonathan Riddell coaxed the Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained fresh-up runner to the lead short of the post.
Watch Your Man fought strongly for second while Matamata visitor Woodsman ran on well for third.
A clear topweight, Saint Emilion was giving away 6kg to all his opponents but had enough ability to make light of the impost.
The winner of 10 races and over $170,000 will now be considered for the New Zealand Cup (3200m) at Riccarton in November.
Saint Emilion had two trials leading up to Saturday his first run back from a spell.
Immediately before being put aside he had won over 2200m at Ellerslie and ran second at his previous start in the Hawke’s Bay Cup.
‘‘We were worried when the rain came but his class shone through,’’ Forsman said. ‘‘We’ve had him ready to go for a while now but we’ve been on the hunt for a reasonable track.
‘‘With his big weight it was a worry when the rain came down but Jonathan was able to get him to relax nicely outside the leader and he fought well.
‘‘If we can get the necessary mileage into his legs between now and November, the New Zealand Cup could be a race we consider for him.’’
The stable was going back-toback after Bonniegirl kept her perfect four from four fresh-up record intact in the Pearl Series race in the previous event.
The Darci Brahma mare ran away with the $25,000 race over 1200m and the pearl bonus made it a good day for owner Ian McCarrison.
Jonathan Riddell bounced Bonniegirl to the front and was never threatened.
She beat some quality opposition including second placed Heni and Te Hana ran well for third.