MANNING HORSE WINS AT THE BAY
TUSCARORA’S impressive sprinting ability from the getgo was on display in the $19,500 Coolalinga & Districts Community Bank Handicap (1200m) at Fannie Bay yesterday, winning the feature race two by 5½ lengths.
Jason Manning’s five-yearold gelding blew the eighthorse field away early on, with his partner Vanessa Arnott piloting the $5 horse home.
“We’re absolutely rapt. That was his sixth win for us in Darwin in just 20 starts,” Manning said. “He’s a clean jumper and can maintain a high cruising speed.
“Vanessa rode him great which was good because he can be quite quirky around the stables.
“He’s not easy to train … but when he puts it together, she enjoys riding him.”
Manning grinned when asked about Tuscarora’s standout character traits. “Where do I start?” he said. “(In trackwork) he’s got to have all his ducks in the right spot. “He likes to have a routine.” Manning has every bit of confidence his quirky but talented sprinter can perform over the wet season.
Tuscarora’s impressive form has continued after he saluted in the $20,000 Jaytex Constructions Handicap (1200m) on August 1.
“Absolutely ( he will continue racing over the wet season),” Manning said.
“He’s won during the wet season before, and also during (Darwin Cup) Carnival time.”
Manning also has plans to see Tuscarora running on Melbourne Cup Day – November 6 – in Darwin.
“After winning (yesterday) his rating should be up near 70, so running him in a race on Melbourne Cup Day is an option,” Manning said.
“He just won a 70-rated race.
“We could run him over 1300m or a 1200m weight-forage.”
Other winning horses yesterday were Ominous Warning (trainer Peter Stennett, jockey Michelle Hagley), Bon Aire (Carl Spry, Kim Gladwin), Dark Whirlwind (Shane Clarke, Phillip Crich) and Larriconi (Tayarn Halter, Ray Vigar).
There was plenty of interest in how five-year-old gelding Makin’ the Grade would go in race three.
Winx part-owner Peter Tighe purchased him in Darwin in August.
He finished fifth, 6½ lengths behind Bon Aire.