Trainer staggered by cup performance

Jimmy Mac left his trainer stunned on Saturday after the stayer surpassed all expectations on his home track.

In his first appearance since he claimed the Gr.3 New Zealand Cup, Gene Andrew’s seven-year-old turned in an outstanding performance to add the Listed Gallagher Marton Cup at Awapuni to his record.

“I was shocked by that,” Andrew said. “He had a few things against him – it was a while between runs and he had a wide draw.

“I would have been happy to have seen him hit the line well, but I didn’t expect him to win.”

Jimmy Mac, who is on target for a $250,000 bonus if he can win the Gr.2 Wallaceville Estate Wellington Cup at his next appearance, settled well off the pace under Lisa Allpress before diving between runners in the straight.

“Lisa said before the race that she didn’t want to get caught wide and she was going to go back on him,” Andrew said.

“I left it all up to her, she just gels with the horse so well.”

The winner of eight of his 28 starts, Jimmy Mac weaved between horses in the straight to down China Star, who kicked to a clear lead on the turn, and Pentathlon.

“I got into a nice spot and I was able to watch what was going on in front of me,” Allpress said.

“He’s just such a neat horse to ride – he does whatever you want him to.”

Jimmy Mac’s performance saw his Wellington Cup odds cut from $5 to $3.50 while Pentathlon who had won his previous four starts, came in a point to $6.