Queensland Carnival Plans For Kiwi Galloper
- Wednesday, 05 August 2009 00:00
"If he had a brain he would have a better record, as he worries and gets upset on race-day, but should continue to get better with age", said McKenzie.
Impressive winning his Maiden by eleven lengths on a heavy track over a mile at Otaki last August, Malachite returned to form when finding plenty to win his third race, on heavy footing at Foxton last start, and remained in the same Rating 80 grade to win the Plough Hotel over 1500 metres at Riccarton on Wednesday.
Boasting all three victories on heavy ground, rider David Walsh said Malachite coped admirably with the slow track conditions, on footing upgraded for the second time during the day from an initial read of Slow (8) to Dead (6) following the race.
"It was an easy win for him on ground that is now just on the better side of slow", said Walsh.
Malachite scored by two and three quarter lengths over Baci, justifying favouritism to pay $2.30 & $1.20.
McKenzie is hoping Malachite will continue to develop sufficiently in a mental capacity to prove worthy of a trip to Queensland next winter.
"A race like the Caloundra Cup in Queensland could suit him", said McKenzie.
The McKenzie/Walsh combination was also to the fore in the previous race, when Roverson scored on debut in the Robbie's Bar & Bistro Maiden over 1400 metres, having previously finished runner-up in his only two trial starts.
And while attempting a hat-trick, had to bow for second with Metrical, beaten by Italian Bambino, trained by Pam Gerard at Ashburton, in the Trevino's Bar & Restaurant Maiden (1200m).
