Brave performance from honest Amarula

Amarula turned in another gallant performance in the Gr.2 Tauranga Stakes (1600m), despite being inconvenienced by foot issues.

The genuine five-year-old was in front 100 metres from the post in Saturday’s feature before he was collared late to wind up a close fourth.

“His feet have been a bit tender, hence we put a pad on one of them so he went really well under the circumstances,” trainer Peter McKay said.

“He might not have been 100 per cent, but he’s come through the race nicely – he seems to be all well.”

The event was won by the Gary Hennessy-trained Ocean Emperor, who is now likely to target the Gr.1 Zabeel Classic (2000m) at Ellerslie on Boxing Day, with Miss Wilson taking second by a nose from Kawi and Amarula a half-head further back.

“He just peaked a bit on his run, but Gary’s horse won well and he’s always had a big opinion of the horse,” McKay said.

Amarula had finished in the money in the previous four runs of his current campaign, including a second placing behind Hiflyer in the Gr.3 Thompson Handicap (1600m) at Trentham and a return trip is on the programme.

“I’ll keep him ticking along, he’s from a hardy breed that doesn’t mind a bit of racing,” McKay said.

“He’ll probably go to Ellerslie for the set weights and penalties mile (the Gr.3 Eagle Technology Stakes) as a lead-up for Wellington.”

The Gr.1 Rydges Captain Cook Stakes (1600m) on December 9 is his main aim.