Counties Cup next up for stayer

Progressive stayer Megablast didn’t let his army of supporters down when he dealt to his rating 85 rivals over 2400 metres at Trentham on Saturday.

The stylish grey five-year-old was heavily backed to start a $2.40 favourite in the contest and after enjoying a comfortable midfield position was sent to the front by rider Jonathan Riddell with 600 metres to run.

He kept up a powerful gallop in the run home before being eased down by Riddell, still three and a quarter lengths to the good of his nearest challenger at the winning post.

It was the gelding’s sixth career victory and second for trainer Nigel Tiley in just three starts after he was transferred to the Pukekohe conditioner’s care from the Kevin Myers stable.

‘‘It was impressive and didn’t surprise me,’’ said Tiley after the race.

‘‘I just thought if he got through the ground he was a big chance. He is a very progressive horse that didn’t have much chance last start in a slowly run race.’’

Tiley was referring to a secondplace finish behind New Zealand Cup candidate Pacorus at Ellerslie last month where the Shinko King gelding made up many lengths in the home straight.

That run and his subsequent victory on the weekend has Tiley looking forward to a major target closer to home next month.

‘‘I think we will be looking at the Counties Cup,’’ he advised.

‘‘It will be on his back doorstep and he is a horse in form so we will head there.’’

The victory by Megablast capped a good day for the Tiley stable with three-year-old filly Midnight Gossip scoring narrowly but well at Riccarton while twoyear-old Oscar Eight impressed when finishing second behind the flying Gilhoolie at Ellerslie.

Meanwhile, Grant Searle has plans for a rare trip north with his in-form mare Bel Sorriso.

The Levin trainer produced the five-year-old for a first-up success in the Gr 3 Thompson Handicap at Trentham on Saturday to bag the opening leg of a black type double.

‘‘We’re looking at the mile at Tauranga next – I only brought her back for the two races,’’ said Searle, referring to the Gr 2 Preston Rowe Patterson, Property Valuers Tauranga WFA on November 12.

Bel Sorriso was given a break after she had run consecutive thirds under big weights in open handicaps during the winter.

‘‘She’s only a little mare and carrying 60kg was killing her,’’ Searle said. ‘‘Getting down to 56kg today was ideal.’’

Bel Sorriso was ridden as usual by Johnathan Parkes and he brought the daughter of Keeper home with a strong finishing burst to collar Cruiser by a long head with Big Dreamer taking third money ahead of Get That Jive.

‘‘Johnathan knows her so well and she’s been a great mare to us,’’ Searle said. ‘‘She goes out and gives her heart and soul every time.’’