Atullibigeal eyes Melbourne mission after ‘big goof’ grabs dazzling victory
Strapping two-year-old Atullibigeal gained revenge on his laststart conqueror when he strode clear in the listed $50,000 Auckland Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Ellerslie yesterday.
The Carl Henderson-trained son of Street Boss had been narrowly defeated by talented filly Lady Maroal when the pair clashed in the Champagne Stakes (1600m) last month.
On that occasion Atullibigeal had led and been run down by the Nigel Tiley-trained filly, but this time around the race tactics were turned upside down, as both wellfancied candidates were situated towards the rear of the field.
Rider Sam Collett made her move on Lady Maroal rounding the home bend as she swooped up wide to take the lead, tracked IN every stride by Andrew Calder aboard Atullibigeal.
The pair set down to fight out the finish with Atullibigeal going clear in the final stages to win impressively by three lengths from Lady Maroal with debutant There You Go closing off nicely for third.
Te Awamutu’s Henderson had been worried his charge had done too well during his time off between starts, but was relieved to see him win.
‘‘We gave him 10 days off after his last run and he thrived,’’ Henderson said. ‘‘In fact, he probably did too well so I was a little worried it might tell in the
closing stages. Thankfully, he was quite explosive and very strong to the line and that is how he is at home when he is working, as he will just take off when you give him a squeeze.
‘‘He is still a big goof though and has a lot of maturing left to do.’’ Henderson has some ambitious plans for his charge who looks a lovely staying type in the making.
‘‘He will most likely go back to the paddock for another short break and then we will get him up and running and look at possibly
taking him to Melbourne.’’
■ The Chris Waller-trained Kukeracha prevailed in a driving finish to the G1 Queensland Derby (2400m) to down stablemate Senor Toba, with triple Derby hero Explosive Jack finishing a game third.
Bred in New Zealand by Dr Chris Phillips, who is the resident vet at Waikato Stud, Kukeracha came from midfield under a welltimed James McDonald ride to land the spoils. The victory was the 126th G1 win for expat-Kiwi trainer Waller.
‘‘He is still a big goof and has a lot of maturing left to do.’’ Trainer Carl Henderson