Seventh Up in top nick for stakes
SEVENTH Up thrives on the drive over the Kaimais from his Cambridge stable.
Three times trainer Shelley Hale has made the trek with the Shinko King gelding and three times they have headed home with the winner’s purse.
His win in yesterday’s Open 1400m at Tauranga ensures he goes to next weekend’s $200,000 Manco Easter Stakes in tip top condition. Part-owner Hale has done an outstanding job with the horse she races with the Noel and Alison Johnstone Family Trust and Robin Stent, winning six races with him from 15 starts and around $120,00 in stakes.
Seventh Up is one of a long line of winners the partners have bred from their mare Regelle.
They sold Thumbs Up to Hong Kong where he became a star, and she then produced Close Up (seven wins) and Two Up (three wins) to go with Seventh Up’s haul.
After producing eight colts Regelle produced a Tavistock filly and then foaled a Burgundy colt last spring.
‘‘We didn’t get her in-foal last spring but she’s done a great job for us,’’ Hale said.
Yesterday, Seventh Up went to the post under veteran jockey Grant Cooksley as an odds-on favourite.
Cooksley never had any concerns and gave the favourite an easy time as he went to the line to comfortably beat outsider Hayley Grace with Danza Lad running on solidly for third.
‘‘He pulled up really well from the run,’’ Hale said. ‘‘Cookie said he was a bit fresh today but I thought the race would clean him up nicely for next weekend.
‘‘I felt he hasn’t had much racing and would need this race before the Easter.
‘‘It would be nice to be going into the Easter with 52kg or so but under the set weight and penalties conditions he will carry 55kg but should still be competitive.’’
Half-brothers Close Up and the maiden Next Up are in full work with Hale and getting near to resuming and ready to add to the family record.
Fears the Tauranga meeting may not proceed due to the affects of Cyclone Cook, were laid to rest with the seven-card programme providing good racing. TRISH DUNELL