Concert Hall pulls all strings in cup masterclass
Visiting Cambridge mare Concert Hall was back to her brilliant best when she demolished her opposition in the $100,000 Manawatu Cup (2300m) yesterday.
The Joan Egan-bred and owned five-year-old had been slowly building to her peak form in recent starts, which included an eye-catching run for fourth in the Counties Cup (2100m) last month. Steady rain during the week saw the Awapuni track rated a slow 8, which had some doubting the Savabeel mare’s credentials on the testing footing, but she never looked like getting beaten once rider Ryan Elliot secured a nice run just behind the speed after jumping from a wide barrier.
Elliot had Concert Hall cruising approaching the home corner and when asked for an effort she put the win beyond doubt as she charged away to win by four lengths from a brave Platinum Invador, with topweight Dolcetto fighting on bravely for third.
Co-trainer Robert Wellwood, who prepares the mare with senior training partner Roger James, admitted he had some concerns when the mare looked to be fired up in the early stages.
‘‘I was a bit nervous when she was a little keen coming past the post the first time, Wellwood said.
‘‘She got into a nice rhythm after that and when I saw her travelling at the 600m I thought she was going to be pretty hard to beat.
‘‘It’s good to finally get a few of the loyal punters paid who follow her and it’s great for Joan [Egan] as she has been a good supporter of us and she deserves all the success she gets.
‘‘It will probably be the City Of Auckland Cup [2400m] next but we will just see,’’ he said.