Hiflyer keeps flying higher

HIFLYER who was all the rage with punters starting in the red in Saturday’s Group III Thompson Handicap and fully justified the faith with a determined win.

On a picture perfect Trentham afternoon with racing held on an ideal Dead4 track, the Peter Lock-trained Te Aroha visitor took the length of the long Trentham straight to gather in pacemaker Amarula.

A clever ride by Amarula’s jockey Shaun McKay gave the favourite’s supporters a few moments of concern.

‘‘It’s such a relief to get a black-type win,’’ Lock said. ’’I’ve always known it was just around the corner.’’

Johnathan Parkes aboard the winner, knew what a big heart his pint-sized mount possessed and called on all the horse’s reserves of energy to get him home by a neck over Amarula with a big gap to the rest headed by third-placed Ringo.

The win was Hiflyer’s seventh from 17 starts and took his prize-money earnings to around $190,000.

Lock has long held a big opinion if the Tavistock gelding and will further test his talent with a possible trip across the Tasman.

He’s toying with the idea of taking Hiflyer to Melbourne for the weight-for-age A$2 million Emirates (2000m) on Novmeber 11 at Flemington where he may clash with fellow Kiwi Gingernuts.

Gingernuts from the Te Akau team is under consideration for the race after his recent second in the Livamol Classic.

Lock will consider option over the next few days before confirming his plans.

Opie Bosson got his Trentham day off to a flying start with wins in the first two races on the day’s card.