Gallant showing
Local runner Gallant Boy went one better in 2019 when he scored in a driving finish in the Gr.3 White Robe Lodge Weight For Age (1600m) at Wingatui.
The evergreen eight-year-old had to bow to stablemate Tommy Tucker in the feature mile last season but was not denied this year when he headed race favourite Boots ‘N’ All in the final few strides.
Trained by Brian and Shane Anderton for the estate of his breeder, the late Patrick Smith of Christchurch, Gallant Boy notched his 11th career victory and first at stakes level.
Handled perfectly by rider Terry Moseley, who had earlier taken out the Listed Dunedin Guineas (1500m) aboard Air Max, Gallant Boy enjoyed a perfect trip throughout after Moseley managed to find inside running from a wide barrier draw.
With the pace on, Moseley bided his time on the Gallant Guru gelding before tracking up behind Boots ‘N’ All approaching the home turn. Moseley secured a dream rails run in the straight as he set out after Boots ‘N’ All with Gallant Boy kicking strongly.
Co-trainer Shane Anderton admitted he had some concerns as he watched his charge get well off the pace in the early stages.
‘‘Down the back I was getting a bit worried as he was back second or third last,’’ he said. ‘‘To Terry’s credit he saved every inch and took all the short cuts.
‘‘Today he (Gallant Boy) showed just how much he has improved.’’
Anderton also paid tribute to breeder Smith, a full-brother to Group One winning stayer Patrick Erin who was trained for the early part of his career by the Andertons before relocating to the Chris Waller stable in Sydney. ‘‘Mrs Smith is here today and it is great for her,’’ he said. Moseley was all smiles when describing how the race had panned out for him from an awkward draw. ‘‘I had a nasty draw and I didn’t want to dig him up and get him pulling,’’ he said.
Meanwhile Air Max added the Dunedin Guineas to the Gore Guineas from a fortnight earlier.
Promising stayer Orepuki Lad scored his biggest win when he led all the way in the Listed Dunedin Gold Cup (2400m).