Laekeeper’s excellent Grand National Hurdle dress rehearsal

Northern raider Laekeeper moved into 129th Grand National Hurdles (4200m) favouritism following his victory in the Sydenham Hurdles (3100m) at Riccarton on Saturday.

It was the first trip to Riccarton for both Laekeeper and his owner-trainer, Morrinsville dentist Simon Rees, and the win in the 3100-metre event was the first on the track for talented jumps rider, Emily Farr.

Laekeeper headed south with a record of four wins and two placings from six hurdle starts, being unbeaten in his last three races over fences, each with Farr aboard. All four hurdle wins had been at Te Aroha, but he had no trouble handling the Riccarton fences after being a reluctant leader in the early stages and leaving Farr to control the race throughout. ‘‘The plan wasn’t to lead, but he’s super fresh,’’ Farr said. ‘‘He’s just so economical in his jumping but he can take the long ones too. He’s improved with every single start.’’

Laekeeper was travelling well in front entering the home straight and had no trouble shaking off a determined finish from Jackfrost to score by threequarters of a length with Drumgold four lengths astern.

The race was marred with the early defection of the favoured runner, The Shackler, who went amiss. He looked in trouble after jumping the first fence and was pulled up after the next by rider Aaron Kuru.

NZ Racing Desk