Wyndspelle outside, Shenandoah inner, O’Rachael centre
Trish Dunell
Donna Logan and Chris Gibbs have doubled their hand in an upcoming black type two-year-old feature.
WATCH: Wyndspelle win at Te Rapa
WATCH: Chris Gibbs talks post race
The Ruakaka trainers have the Listed Reid & Harrison Limited Slipper on February 27 on the programme of their exciting last-start winner Mongolian Falcon, who will now be joined by his barn mate Wyndspelle.
He booked his place after posting his maiden success in the Foster Maintain 1200 at Te Rapa on Saturday, but not before giving his connections a few anxious moments.
"I was a bit worried at the 600 when he hit a flat spot," Gibbs said. "He was a bit tardy out of the gates again, but he hit the line hard."
Runner-up on debut behind Nova Swiss on his home track, the Iffraaj colt sat at the back of the field before he wound up strongly to down the first-timer Shenandoah, who made her play for victory along the fence.
"As long as he comes through this race well, we'll definitely be looking at the Matamata race for the colts and geldings," Gibbs said.
"It's a shame he'll have to clash with the stablemate, but they both deserve their chances."
The Gr.1 Sistema Diamond Stakes at Ellerslie on March 12 is the likely grand final for the precocious Ruakaka pair. "You only get one go at those races," Gibbs said.
Wyndspelle was ridden by Danielle Johnson, who was able to christen a shiny new pair of riding boots in style.
"I put them on for the first time for this race," she said. "He was a bit slow out of the gates, but he did everything right after that.
"Once he gets over a bit more ground he'll be a really nice horse. If he can get over his barrier issues and can run on the pace he will win a few more."
The ruling favourite O'Rachael loomed up to challenge 250 metres from home before she peaked on her effort while her stablemate Showpin was next home after making the early running. – NZ Racing Desk.
WATCH: Wyndspelle win at Te Rapa
WATCH: Chris Gibbs talks post race
The Ruakaka trainers have the Listed Reid & Harrison Limited Slipper on February 27 on the programme of their exciting last-start winner Mongolian Falcon, who will now be joined by his barn mate Wyndspelle.
He booked his place after posting his maiden success in the Foster Maintain 1200 at Te Rapa on Saturday, but not before giving his connections a few anxious moments.
"I was a bit worried at the 600 when he hit a flat spot," Gibbs said. "He was a bit tardy out of the gates again, but he hit the line hard."
Runner-up on debut behind Nova Swiss on his home track, the Iffraaj colt sat at the back of the field before he wound up strongly to down the first-timer Shenandoah, who made her play for victory along the fence.
"As long as he comes through this race well, we'll definitely be looking at the Matamata race for the colts and geldings," Gibbs said.
"It's a shame he'll have to clash with the stablemate, but they both deserve their chances."
The Gr.1 Sistema Diamond Stakes at Ellerslie on March 12 is the likely grand final for the precocious Ruakaka pair. "You only get one go at those races," Gibbs said.
Wyndspelle was ridden by Danielle Johnson, who was able to christen a shiny new pair of riding boots in style.
"I put them on for the first time for this race," she said. "He was a bit slow out of the gates, but he did everything right after that.
"Once he gets over a bit more ground he'll be a really nice horse. If he can get over his barrier issues and can run on the pace he will win a few more."
The ruling favourite O'Rachael loomed up to challenge 250 metres from home before she peaked on her effort while her stablemate Showpin was next home after making the early running. – NZ Racing Desk.