A general feeling of satisfaction was the prevalent emotion for the connections of a number of the beaten runners in Saturday’s Gr. 2 Lisa Chittick Foxbridge Plate as they turn their attention to Hastings in a fortnight.
Promising sprinter Tomorrowland showed he deserves his place in the final field for the Gr. 1 Makfi Challenge Stakes on the 29th of August with a gritty performance for third which was subsequently lifted to second with the relegation of Kawi following a post-race enquiry.
“That was his big test and I thought he came through it brilliantly,” remarked trainer Danica Guy.“He had to show us he was up to tackling these good horses and we were delighted with how he went.
“The slow track was the biggest concern and he didn’t really handle it but he showed plenty of grit to dig in and fight and he will definitely go to Hastings now.”One of the unlucky runners in the contest was the Lance O’Sullivan & Andrew Scott trained Whosyourmaster who initiated the protest against Kawi after suffering interference midway down the home straight before eventually dead-heating for third following the enquiry.
“He went super and didn’t really have the luck he needed,” noted Scott.“It was Michael’s (McNab) first ride on him and he can be difficult to handle so he will benefit from that experience. To get as close as he did was a great effort and he has pulled up well.
“He will go to the Makfi next which will be his first time past 1200 metres but the way he is racing suggests he should be able to cope.”Another to suffer a chequered run home was multiple Group One winner Soriano who flashed late to finish just behind the placegetters.
“She copped a squeeze from Tomorrowland and Ryan Mark close to the line which cost her getting closer but we decided not to protest,” explained co-trainer Graeme Rogerson.“She has come back bigger and stronger this time and it was a great run with her Hastings campaign in mind. She will go to the Makfi, where she went well last year, and then onto the other two days after that where I think she will be very hard to beat.”
Trainer John Morell was far from disappointed with the run of race favourite Ryan Mark who wilted late in the piece to finish seventh after looking a big chance at the 200 metre mark.“He just blew out in the end and probably didn’t really handle the track,” he said.
“He will take a heap of improvement out of the race and we will press on to Hastings. He ate everything when he got home and his knees look great so I’m satisfied with where we are at with him.”Another with his eye on the longer distance Group features at Hastings is Te Awamutu trainer Peter Hollinshead who was pleased with the performance of his runner, Pondarosa Miss.
“1200 metres just isn’t her go and we expected she would be running on late behind them,” he said.“Lisa (Allpress) got off and said she was pleased with the run and would definitely stick with her which is a good sign.
“She wobbled around the home turn a little so when she got balanced she made up good ground in the slowest part of the track so it was a good run.
