Dolcetto rises to challenge
IT was tough going at Awapuni on Saturday but class shone through in the Listed Metric Mile.
The day’s $70,000 feature showcased the ability of the find of central districts racing Dolcetto.
The Sylvia Kay-trained and coowned gelding has been a revelation in his current campaign which began back in May at Awapuni in a Rating 75 race over 1200m.
He won that day ridden by Samantha Collett and she hasn’t let him out of her sights winning four subsequent starts culminating in his biggest test on Saturday.
It was his black-type debut but he proved way too good to take his earnings beyond $150,000 from seven wins achieved in just 10 starts.
‘‘He’s such an honest horse and he can keep winning the way he’s going,’’ Collett said.
His veteran trainer was in awe of the 5-year-old who ran the 1550m in 1:41.08.
‘‘I’m absolutely thrilled,’’ the astute horsewoman said. ‘‘I thought he was absolutely brilliant today.
‘‘It’s been hard, he’s had sore feet with all the wet tracks we’ve had but he’s overcome that and has been working well.’’
Kay will catch her breath before deciding on her next move.
‘‘I’ll get over today and well go from there.’’
Chasing Dolcetto home was the brave warrior Authentic Paddy who went his trademark honest race with Rosewood running an outstanding third in her open class debut.
Favourite Francaletta appeared to find the conditions and step to 1550m too much and she faded out of contention.
Joshua Shaw had his first training success earlier in the day with quality mare Rayas.
Shaw is widely known in the thoroughbred industry, more recently as a well recognised barrier attendant at northern meetings.
The milestone was made more memorable due to former All Black Christian Cullen being in the ownership team.
The daughter of Rip Van Winkle was syndicated by Wellington businessman Dave Monnery who purchased her for $50,000 through bloodstock consultant Phill Cataldo at a Karaka sale as a 2-year-old. RACE IMAGES
‘ I’m absolutely thrilled. I thought he was absolutely brilliant today.’ TRAINER AND PART-OWNER: SYLVIA KAY
The stakes performer has now won twice from six starts .
Number 12 Crafty Jess got Pick6 punters off on the right foot in the massive $780,000-plus chase on Saturday’s final three races at Awapuni and on the final three at the northern meeting at Ruakaka.
The favourite was on plenty of tickets with 325,000 live after leg one and supporters had no worries as jockey Michael Coleman launched the Murray Baker and Andrew Foesman-trained late in the race for a comfortable win.
Hot favourite Prom Queen won the following leg at Ruakaka to the cheers of supporters of the $1.45 shot who had no worries with Dolcetto, Beyond Dispute and Finn winning the next three legs leaving 613 units live going into the final leg.
Outsider He’s Cavalier knocked all but 26.66 units out and the holders of the successful tickets were rewarded with $33,091.30 for every full unit.