Megablast
Race Images Palmerston North
Progressive stayer Megablast didn't let his army of supporters down when he dealt to his rating 85 rivals over 2400 metres at Trentham on Saturday.
The stylish grey five-year-old was heavily backed to start a $2.40 favourite in the contest and after enjoying a comfortable midfield position was sent to the front by rider Jonathan Riddell with 600 metres to run. He kept up a powerful gallop in the run home before being eased down by Riddell, still three and a quarter lengths to the good of his nearest challenger at the winning post.
It was the gelding's sixth career victory and second for trainer Nigel Tiley in just three starts after he was transferred to the Pukekohe conditioner's care from the Kevin Myers stable.
"It was impressive and didn't surprise me," said Tiley after the race.
"I just thought if he got through the ground he was a big chance. He is a very progressive horse that didn't have much chance last start in a slowly run race."
Tiley was referring to a second placed finish behind New Zealand Cup candidate Pacorus at Ellerslie last month where the Shinko King gelding made up many lengths in the home straight. That run and his subsequent victory on the weekend has Tiley looking forward to a major target closer to home next month.
"I think we will be looking at the Counties Cup," he advised.
"It will be on his back doorstep and he is a horse in form so we will head there."
The victory by Megablast capped a good day for the Tiley stable with three-year-old filly Midnight Gossip scoring narrowly but well at Riccarton while two-year-old Oscar Eight impressed when finishing second behind the flying Gilhoolie at Ellerslie. – NZ Racing Desk
The stylish grey five-year-old was heavily backed to start a $2.40 favourite in the contest and after enjoying a comfortable midfield position was sent to the front by rider Jonathan Riddell with 600 metres to run. He kept up a powerful gallop in the run home before being eased down by Riddell, still three and a quarter lengths to the good of his nearest challenger at the winning post.
It was the gelding's sixth career victory and second for trainer Nigel Tiley in just three starts after he was transferred to the Pukekohe conditioner's care from the Kevin Myers stable.
"It was impressive and didn't surprise me," said Tiley after the race.
"I just thought if he got through the ground he was a big chance. He is a very progressive horse that didn't have much chance last start in a slowly run race."
Tiley was referring to a second placed finish behind New Zealand Cup candidate Pacorus at Ellerslie last month where the Shinko King gelding made up many lengths in the home straight. That run and his subsequent victory on the weekend has Tiley looking forward to a major target closer to home next month.
"I think we will be looking at the Counties Cup," he advised.
"It will be on his back doorstep and he is a horse in form so we will head there."
The victory by Megablast capped a good day for the Tiley stable with three-year-old filly Midnight Gossip scoring narrowly but well at Riccarton while two-year-old Oscar Eight impressed when finishing second behind the flying Gilhoolie at Ellerslie. – NZ Racing Desk