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Cropp guides gun mare to repeat victory

Matthew Cropp’s confidence in the fearless fencer Wee Biskit was justified at Trentham in emphatic style.

Wee Biskit winning the Anuka Smoker Wellington Hrdl
Wee Biskit winning the Anuka Smoker Wellington Hrdl Picture: Race Images PN

The Waverley rider and the Ken Duncan-trained mare successfully defended their title in Saturday’s Anuka Smoker Wellington Hurdles with a commanding performance.

“This has been the plan all the way through and she ran a super race when she finished off well in the Hawke’s Bay Hurdles on a good track,” Cropp said.

Third at Hastings, Wee Biskit revelled in the heavy going and the extra distance at Trentham where she settled in her customary position at the tail end of the field.

She picked up ground down the back straight for the final time with a sustained run that had her in front two flights from home and she then powered away to win easily.

“Ken told me to let her move when she felt comfortable about it and she’s blitzed them again,” Cropp said. “I’m so grateful to Ken and his family for letting me stick with her.”

The seven-year-old daughter of Zed’s success realised a long-held dream for Duncan, who combines his thoroughbred interests with his Hunterville farming operation.

“To go back to back was our ambition and we’re thrilled to get it done,” he said.

“She’s very tidy over her jumps and that’s why we’ve resisted putting her over the bigger fences. She’s very, very special to us – she’s become a family pet.”

Seven lengths in arrears of Wee Biskit at the line was Mahanadi, who has now placed in the event three years in a row, ahead of the 2014 winner Just Got Home.


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