Star hurdler in top form to take out Trentham feature
The Paul Nelson and Corrina McDougaltrained No Tip showed his liking for the Trentham track with a comprehensive victory in the Manawatū ITM Manawatū Steeplechase (4000m) at Trentham on Saturday.
In a disappointing field of just four runners, rider Hamish McNeill had No Tip stalking pacemaker Magic Wonder throughout before assuming control as the pair made their way onto the course proper with one fence to clear.
No Tip established a winning break at that point and cruised clear to win comfortably to register his third win from just four starts at the venue.
‘‘He is my favourite horse so it was neat to see him go so well,’’ McDougal said. ‘‘He likes Trentham although it was his first go on the steeplechase track, but he seemed to handle it pretty well.
‘‘I was a little worried he might be a run short, but he fought on really well and that run will only help bring his fitness on a bit more.’’
Meanwhile, quality hurdler Aigne gave his rivals weight and a beating as he proved too tough in the closing stages of the Awapuni Hurdles (2900m).
The nine-year-old son of Sufficient had lost rider Emily Farr in their season opener over fences at Wanganui the previous week, but this time there was no repeat as Farr produced a patient effort to land the major share of the prize.
With Cambridge visitor English Gambler setting up a breakneck speed in front for the majority of the contest, Farr bided her time before issuing a challenge against the inside rail with two fences to clear.
Aigne and Izymydaad set down to fight out the finish with Aigne gaining the ascendancy courtesy of a better leap at the last as he closed out the victory by a neat length with Fantasy Flight running on nicely to finish third.
– NZ Racing Desk