Trish Dunell
Ruakaka trainer Chris Gibbs had another strong day on Saturday at his local meeting, winning four of the nine races, while saddling a further seven placegetters.
Among the more impressive winners was in-form three-year-old Not Usual Heart.
A last-to-first winner over the course and distance a fortnight ago, the daughter of Show A Heart produced a similar come-from-behind effort when winning the White Cliffs Timber Rating 75 Benchmark (1200m).
“It was a dominant win on Saturday. Cameron Lammas didn’t have to use the stick,” Gibbs said.
“It’s just a matter of getting her racing right and breathing. She has been a filly that has held her breath, but she is going well.”
Raced by Chinese owners Horse Feng Bloodstock, Not Usual Heart is likely to be seen back at Ruakaka in a fortnight in a higher grade again.
“There are a couple of options for her in two weeks’ time, a 1400m and a 1200m. The 1200m looks ideal and she probably won’t have to carry too much weight in a Rating 85 Benchmark.”