Humidor
Trish Dunell
Otaki galloper Humidor has strengthened his case for a start in the Gr. 1 Livamol Classic on the last day of the three-day Hastings Spring Carnival with a dominant victory at the track on Saturday.
Having just his eight career start the rangy four-year-old was sent out a warm favourite in the AON Insurance Brokers sponsored open 2000 metre contest. Sporting the distinctive green colours of his owners and breeders, Jomara Bloodstock, the gelding didn't disappoint as he held out a strong challenge from fellow Livamol contender Savaria to clinch his fourth victory and underline his claims for the feature weight-for-age event on the 1st of October.
Co-trainer Johno Benner, who prepares the Teofilo gelding with partner Holly Wynyard, was well satisfied with effort as he looks forward to tackling elite company at his next start.
"There's still a lot of improvement in him as we haven't done a lot in between his win on the first day and this race," said Benner after the race.
"I think that will get him a start in the Livamol Classic and we do have two weeks to decide if he will run. We feel he's up to it and he will learn a lot from this one as he didn't get it all his own way."
Benner was alluding to the early part of Saturday's contest where the gelding tended to over-race when trying to find a mid-field position after jumping well from the barrier.
Having just his eight career start the rangy four-year-old was sent out a warm favourite in the AON Insurance Brokers sponsored open 2000 metre contest. Sporting the distinctive green colours of his owners and breeders, Jomara Bloodstock, the gelding didn't disappoint as he held out a strong challenge from fellow Livamol contender Savaria to clinch his fourth victory and underline his claims for the feature weight-for-age event on the 1st of October.
Co-trainer Johno Benner, who prepares the Teofilo gelding with partner Holly Wynyard, was well satisfied with effort as he looks forward to tackling elite company at his next start.
"There's still a lot of improvement in him as we haven't done a lot in between his win on the first day and this race," said Benner after the race.
"I think that will get him a start in the Livamol Classic and we do have two weeks to decide if he will run. We feel he's up to it and he will learn a lot from this one as he didn't get it all his own way."
Benner was alluding to the early part of Saturday's contest where the gelding tended to over-race when trying to find a mid-field position after jumping well from the barrier.
Humidor
Trish Dunell
"He was a little keen when he was trying to find a spot early in the race but he settled down after that and travelled well," he said.
"He's still a big baby and tends to pull and do silly little things but he has come a long way and we are thrilled to bits with that. We know it is a big step up to a Group One race but we think he can cope and after today you will see him at 110 percent for the Livamol."
Rider Mark Du Plessis was also taken with the run despite being a victim of the horse's idiosyncrasies after the race when he shied and parted company with his rider on the way back to the birdcage.
"He showed today that, if not this season then next, he is going to be a good horse," he said.
"He's doing everything we ask him and if doesn't win the Group One this time he will win it next year." - NZ Racing Desk
"He's still a big baby and tends to pull and do silly little things but he has come a long way and we are thrilled to bits with that. We know it is a big step up to a Group One race but we think he can cope and after today you will see him at 110 percent for the Livamol."
Rider Mark Du Plessis was also taken with the run despite being a victim of the horse's idiosyncrasies after the race when he shied and parted company with his rider on the way back to the birdcage.
"He showed today that, if not this season then next, he is going to be a good horse," he said.
"He's doing everything we ask him and if doesn't win the Group One this time he will win it next year." - NZ Racing Desk