Hastings feature next for Highlad

WELLINGTON: Enigmatic stayer Highlad returned to winning form on Saturday with a heartstopping victory in the Te Aroha Cup (2200m).

Rider Michael Coleman improved Highlad into a challenging position on the home corner before drawing clear with the wellfavoured Bizzwinkle as they set down to fight out the finish. In a toothandnail struggle, Highlad scored by a short head, with Cheeky Boy running on for third.

‘‘That was a good solid effort although he did want to knock off and wait for the other horse a bit in the home straight,’’ cotrainer Andrew Forsman said.

Highlad and stablemate Show The World have the Hawke’s Bay Gold Cup (2200m) at Hastings this Saturday as their target, although Forsman will see how Show The World comes through his race before confirming a start.

Forsman was also pleased with the performance of the stable’s four runners in the rich

Australian Derby (2400m) at Randwick on Saturday, won by Levendi in a tussle with Ace High. Vin De Dance was the bestperformed of the quartet, finishing fourth.

Vin De Dance went a ‘‘very solid race and battled on strongly’’ late in the race, Forsman said.

‘‘Weather With You [9th] probably did his chips with a slow start, while Mission Hill [13th] overraced and the wide barrier didn’t do any favours for Mongolian Marshal [8th].

‘‘I think Vin De Dance and Mission Hill will probably come home for a spell now but the other two might stay around for another race or two depending on how they come through the run.’’

A John Bary was back in the group 1 groove at Te Aroha. He successfully executed a longterm plan when Miss Wilson reigned supreme in the $200,000 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m).

Bary savoured topflight success with the halfsister by Stratum to his former star galloper Jimmy Choux, a former New Zealand Horse of the Year.

He was bred and raced by Richard and Liz Wood and their colours were donned by Vinnie Colgan aboard Miss Wilson.

‘‘It’s great for Richard and Liz. They have been big supporters of the stable,’’ Bary said.

‘‘This means a lot to me and my staff. They work long hours and this is as much about them as me.’’

Miss Wilson finished fourth in the race 12 months ago after she had won the Cuddle Stakes (1600m) and this time around Bary elected to bypass the Trentham event.

‘‘I learned from last year and she is much better fresh,’’ he said.

Ridden by Vinnie Colgan, Miss Wilson jumped well to sit behind the tearaway leaders Ruud Not Too and Nicoletta before reeling them in 250m from home.

Miss Wilson won by half a length from Thee Auld Floozie, who also finished runnerup in the race last year behind Charmont. — NZ Racing Desk