Orepuki Lad on gold run

PROMISING stayer Orepuki Lad scored the biggest win of his career when he led all the way in the Dunedin Gold Cup (2400m), at Wingatui yesterday.

The athletic Raise The Flag gelding was having just his 12th start and first in open company in the Dunedin feature for the father and son training partnership of Graham and Michael Eade.

Placed in his last four starts, the five-year-old gained a deserved victory after doing all the donkey- work in front for rider Leah Hemi. Hemi set up a steady speed throughout the contest and it was obvious she had most of her rivals under pressure with 600m to run.

Sent for home at the top of the Wingatui straight, Orepuki Lad never shirked his task as he maintained a powerful gallop to down another promising stayer in Aboli, with Shakti finishing on well to grab third.

Graham Eade was confident of a forward showing from his charge after he had come of age in this campaign.

‘‘He was a big gangly thing last year, but once he came back from his break he really grew up,’’ he said.

‘‘He’s never been a great eater, but that has improved and now he has strengthened up he can round his races off much better.

‘‘He is a real cruisy dude as nothing bothers him. He nearly went to sleep when we put him back in the box after the race.’’