Pike strikes winning treble

Cambridge trainer Tony Pike left Ellerslie on Saturday a satisfied man after a top day at the office where he saddled three winners from just four starters at New Zealand’s premier racing venue.

Amongst those winners was former top juvenile Shelford who scored his first New Zealand victory from four attempts after commencing his career in Australia where he won twice and finished 7th in the Gr. 1 Golden Slipper stakes as a two-year-old.

“It was great to see him come back to winning form as he is a quality horse who hasn’t had a lot of luck with the barrier draws so far,” explained Pike.

“He drew the outside gate at each of his first three runs and did it tough so it was nice to see him finally draw well so he could show the class he does possess.

“We’ve pulled him out of the Telegraph as it just wouldn’t suit backing him up so quickly so he can have a few days off now and then come back for the Darley Plate during Auckland Cup Week.”

Pike was also enthusiastic about the future prospects of three-year-old filly Maid Of Steel who broke her maiden status with a victory over 1400 metres.

“She didn’t get a lot of luck in her first two runs but she put it all together on Saturday and still has plenty of improvement in her,” he noted.

“We will take her along slowly but if she can grab another win then we will have a look at some of the three-year-old filly races that are coming up.

“They’re only three once and I do think she will get better the further she goes so a race like the New Zealand Oaks wouldn’t be out of the question if she can take the step up.”

Completing Pike’s treble was class galloper Allez Eagle who made it three from three at Ellerslie with another comfortable win in rating 85 company.

“He did it nicely in what was a funny run race as they slowed up in the middle stages and he did a few things wrong as a result but he sprinted well in the straight and got the win which is what matters,” he said.

“He can have a few days off as well and then we’ll bring him back with the Easter Handicap as his main aim.

“He has shown he goes well at Ellerslie and I think a little cut in the ground will help him as he’s still feeling the injury he got as a three-year-old.”

The Gr. 1 Manco Easter Handicap will be run at Ellerslie on the 18th of April with Pike looking to go one better than last year where stable runner Chintz was narrowly beaten by Albany Reunion in a desperately close finish to the event.