Amarula
Kenton Wright Race Images
A late change of plans paid dividends for trainer Peter McKay when classy customer Amarula won handsomely in open company over 1400 metres at Ruakaka on Saturday.
Last season's Hawkes Bay Guineas winner was coming in fresh off the back of an impressive trial win over 1000 metres at Taupo eight days ago although McKay had his doubts about his readiness for a tough 1400 metres first-up.
"Our original plan was to run him at Ruakaka in a fortnight but he was so full of himself after Taupo I was worried he might injure himself if we left him that long," he explained.
"When I saw the nominations still open on Tuesday I thought it might be best to give him a run although I half expected he would find it a little far over that distance first up."
McKay needn't have worried as the four-year-old entire made a good beginning from a wide barrier before dictating the speed throughout the contest. Challenged at the 200 metre mark he found a powerful kick to put a winning break on his rivals as he cruised to the line in a comfortable 1.24.77 for the 1400 metre journey.
Whilst pleased with the win McKay was also relieved to see his charge back in winning form after a muddling early winter campaign.
"He probably got a pass mark for the three runs he had at the start of the winter although he never won one," he said.
"Those were his first runs after having the bone chip removed and he needed them to get some of the weight off that he had put on when spelling.
"He came through them well and had a nice few weeks in the paddock before we brought him back for this preparation."
McKay may again have to change plans for his charge after Saturday's victory with an early return to Hastings now on the cards.
"Originally the plan was to go to Ruakaka at the start of next month and then on to Hastings for the Group Three sprint on the last day," he advised.
"Now he's had this run we might take a look at the Windsor Park Plate on the middle day at Hastings provided he comes through it well.
"It will all depend on his recovery but it is nice to have a few options with him at this stage."
The Gr. 1 Windsor Park Plate (1600m) is the feature event on the second day of the Hawkes Bay spring carnival at Hastings on 17 September. – NZ Racing Desk
Last season's Hawkes Bay Guineas winner was coming in fresh off the back of an impressive trial win over 1000 metres at Taupo eight days ago although McKay had his doubts about his readiness for a tough 1400 metres first-up.
"Our original plan was to run him at Ruakaka in a fortnight but he was so full of himself after Taupo I was worried he might injure himself if we left him that long," he explained.
"When I saw the nominations still open on Tuesday I thought it might be best to give him a run although I half expected he would find it a little far over that distance first up."
McKay needn't have worried as the four-year-old entire made a good beginning from a wide barrier before dictating the speed throughout the contest. Challenged at the 200 metre mark he found a powerful kick to put a winning break on his rivals as he cruised to the line in a comfortable 1.24.77 for the 1400 metre journey.
Whilst pleased with the win McKay was also relieved to see his charge back in winning form after a muddling early winter campaign.
"He probably got a pass mark for the three runs he had at the start of the winter although he never won one," he said.
"Those were his first runs after having the bone chip removed and he needed them to get some of the weight off that he had put on when spelling.
"He came through them well and had a nice few weeks in the paddock before we brought him back for this preparation."
McKay may again have to change plans for his charge after Saturday's victory with an early return to Hastings now on the cards.
"Originally the plan was to go to Ruakaka at the start of next month and then on to Hastings for the Group Three sprint on the last day," he advised.
"Now he's had this run we might take a look at the Windsor Park Plate on the middle day at Hastings provided he comes through it well.
"It will all depend on his recovery but it is nice to have a few options with him at this stage."
The Gr. 1 Windsor Park Plate (1600m) is the feature event on the second day of the Hawkes Bay spring carnival at Hastings on 17 September. – NZ Racing Desk