Volstok’n’barrell is back
Glamour galloper Volstok’n’barrell is officially back after his win in New Zealand’s richest weight-for-age race at Te Rapa yesterday.
‘‘He’s back,’’ excited co-trainer Donna Logan announced as she waited for her triple Group I winner to return to the birdcage.
It was a popular win in a keenly contested Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) and the 5-year-old son of Tavistock was given a rousing reception on his return.
‘‘I’m just so excited,’’ said Logan who trains the nine-time winner with Chris Gibbs at Ruakaka.
‘‘He’s back and it’s so nice to have him back.
‘‘He’s had his knockers but he’s had some bad luck with awkward draws, wet tracks and things but today was his grand final and he showed his class. ‘‘He was spot on for today.’’ Where to next with the good looking gelding?
‘‘Let’s just get over today,’’ Logan said as her mind turned to celebrating the well-planned victory that edged her star towards $1.5 million in career earnings.
The trainers share in the ownership with Gibbs’ father Jim and wife Anne along with Logan’s partner Ashley Goodwin, Garry Cossey and Rosemont Stud.
Saturday’s jockey was Vinnie Colgan, who gave the horse every opportunity as he planted him behind a hot speed set by Authentic Paddy.
Authentic Paddy and rider Robbie Hannam were pressured early by Saint Emilion ridden by Danielle Johnson but Hannam was intent on assuming control.
The leading pair put a gap on the field but the chasers began to close around the top bend.
Colgan sent his mount for home and he had enough in reserve to hold off the 3-year-old Savile Row who closed appreciably in the final few strides under Michael Coleman.
The run from the Michael Moroney and Pam Gerard-trained youngster saw him tighten slightly from $7 to $6 in fixed odds markets for the NZ Derby (2400m) on March 4.
‘‘It was a good run,’’ Gerard said. ‘‘It would have been nice if he finished first but from a Derby perspective it was encouraging to see the ground he made up late in the race.
‘‘He was taking ground off the winner.’’
There was a short head between first and second with a neck to the tough Authentic Paddy and a long head to fast finishing mare in-foal mare Abidewithme in her swansong.
Connections of Volkstok’n’barrell reserved special praise for Colgan who has won three races on the horse, all at Group I level.
‘‘He just clicks with him,’’ Logan said. ‘‘They are a good team - he knows the horse so well.’’