Postboy wins at Trentham over 1600m
Photo: Trish Dunell
Awapuni galloper Postboy returned to his best form at Trentham on Saturday as he set up a potential attempt at the Duoro Cup at the same venue this weekend with a gutsy victory over 1600 metres.
Touted as a potential summer star following a run of three wins and four minor placings from nine starts at this time last year, Postboy had been slow to rediscover that type of form at the commencement of this campaign. Positive signs emerged after a close up run for second on his home track in December followed by an unlucky fourth at Hastings on New Year's Day.
Trainer Royden Bergerson was confident of a bold showing on the weekend although the manner of the victory was a surprise when his charge defied all challenges after taking over early in the long run home at Trentham.
"I thought after he ran fourth at Hastings he would be tough to bowl next time around," he noted.
"When the rain came I wasn't that worried as he had been beaten by a narrow margin on a heavy track here back in April. He seemed to handle it well but when he took over just after they straightened I wasn't sure if he could hold on carrying the 60 kilos as he looked like a sitting duck out in front.
"To his credit Hayden (Tinsley) nursed him along nicely and he ended up winning with a little in hand at the finish."
Bergerson will now monitor the showy chestnut over the next few days as he looks to the Duoro Cup this weekend as his next assignment.
"I think we took the edge off him trying to get him ready for the spring racing at Hastings so he has taken a while to get back to his best," he said.
"Now he looks like he is reaching his peak I will look to step him out over more ground although the Duoro Cup over a mile this weekend will be ideal for him as long he recovers well from Saturday.
"I can see him getting 2000 metres without any problems so that's where we will be looking after that."- NZ Racing Desk
Touted as a potential summer star following a run of three wins and four minor placings from nine starts at this time last year, Postboy had been slow to rediscover that type of form at the commencement of this campaign. Positive signs emerged after a close up run for second on his home track in December followed by an unlucky fourth at Hastings on New Year's Day.
Trainer Royden Bergerson was confident of a bold showing on the weekend although the manner of the victory was a surprise when his charge defied all challenges after taking over early in the long run home at Trentham.
"I thought after he ran fourth at Hastings he would be tough to bowl next time around," he noted.
"When the rain came I wasn't that worried as he had been beaten by a narrow margin on a heavy track here back in April. He seemed to handle it well but when he took over just after they straightened I wasn't sure if he could hold on carrying the 60 kilos as he looked like a sitting duck out in front.
"To his credit Hayden (Tinsley) nursed him along nicely and he ended up winning with a little in hand at the finish."
Bergerson will now monitor the showy chestnut over the next few days as he looks to the Duoro Cup this weekend as his next assignment.
"I think we took the edge off him trying to get him ready for the spring racing at Hastings so he has taken a while to get back to his best," he said.
"Now he looks like he is reaching his peak I will look to step him out over more ground although the Duoro Cup over a mile this weekend will be ideal for him as long he recovers well from Saturday.
"I can see him getting 2000 metres without any problems so that's where we will be looking after that."- NZ Racing Desk