Robinson provides quinella

Local trainer Lance Robinson admitted he wasn’t quite sure where to look halfway down the straight in Saturday’s Listed Great Easter Stakes (1400m) at Riccarton.

Robinson had saddled up stable duo Live Drama and Khimar War in the day’s second black-type feature and with 600m to run both of his chances were looking like they would be right in the fight at the business end.

Live Drama scooted up the inner on the point of the home turn for rider Kavish Chowdhoory and took control to score handsomely by just on two lengths from her stablemate who had trouble finding clear air at a crucial stage before storming into second for Tina Comignaghi.

Robinson had found it hard to split the pair before the race but had leant towards Live Drama without total conviction.

‘‘I really thought both horses were very big chances although I did lean a little towards Live Drama as I think she may just have a touch more class than Khimar War,’’ he said.

‘‘In the end she really showed her class after a top ride by Kavish.’’

Meanwhile, Awapuni visitor Diss Is Dramatic showed all her fighting qualities when she downed a handy lineup of two-year-olds in Saturday’s Listed Champagne Stakes (1200m).

The Lisa Latta-trained daughter of

Dissident had finished runner-up behind race favourite Defiant last start without much luck after being squeezed out of a gap in the home straight when looking a winning chance.

This time rider Comignaghi made sure she was in plenty of clear air approaching the home turn as she brought Diss Is Dramatic into contention out in the middle of the track.

Eventual runner-up Redmond had been joined by Diss Is Dramatic’s stablemate Chevaux before Comignaghi asked her mount to extend which she did to draw away for a stylish length victory at the finish.

– NZ Racing Desk