Courage key to Maygrove’s win

MAYGROVE called on all his reserves of courage to claim Saturday’s Feilding Gold Cup (2100m) at Awapuni.

From the powerful Cambridge barn of Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman, he displayed the class and fortitude that typifies runners from the hugely successful stable.

The son of Authorized gained compensation after being devoid of luck at his previous start in the Jakkalberry Classic at Rotorua when ridden by Matthew Cameron.

Johnathan Parkes took the reins for Saturday’s Listed feature and he rode the 7-year-old grey gelding brilliantly.

From a wide gate Parkes quickly had his mount settled kindly outside the pacemaker and in a gutsy move took control of the race with 600m left to run.

They were left a sitting duck for the chasers, but Parkes confidence in his mount was well founded and they held strongly to beat outsider Alinko Prince with Snow Secret battling well for third.

It was a great ride,’’ Forsman said. ‘‘He had to overcome a wide draw and a big weight, but the ride was a perfect.’’

Racing in the colours of prominent owner Lib Petagna, Maygrove boosted his earnings beyond $400,000 with his eighth win.

The win came soon after stablemate Deals In Heels had won at Tauranga and around the same time the shattering confirmation came that another stablemate Jon Snow had been ruled out of Melbourne Cup contention.

‘‘It hasn’t been the best of days, but it was really good to see Maygrove win so well,’’ Forsman said.