Manawatu Cup To High Octane
- Saturday, 19 December 2009 13:45
So often filling minor places in group and listed races in recent times, the Gregor Robson-trained galloper had not greeted the judge since February 2008, but truly deserved his success.
As solid as a shotgun barrel in physique, he exuded a toughness of similar proportions to deny local trainer Lisa Latta a hat-trick in the event, having won with Jonbalena last year and Nanjara in 2007.
Having her first ride on the horse, Lisa Allpress, who bagged four winners at Otaki last Thursday, was given instructions to situate High Octane closer to the pace than he had been of late, but the plan came unstuck when being squeezed to the rear as the gates opened.
Nevertheless, Allpress still sent her charge forward on a hectic early pace, four wide leaving the straight with a lap to run, to finally arrive outside the leader at the 1300 metre mark.
Once there, High Octane appeared to gather himself and travel sweetly.
Able to kick a couple of lengths clear off the point of the home turn, he never relented in his quest for victory, holding on to win by a long head.
Having been patiently ridden back in the field, Manonamission unleashed a solid bid after receiving a drag into proceedings from the 800 metres, while Bakup, off a fifth in the group two Waikato Cup a week ago, finished solidly for third, a long neck away.
Noteworthy performances also came from fourth placed Grand Canyon, Fazza in fifth and Ranginui sixth.
The time for the 2300 metres was a very genuine 2:19.50, and despite having finished second at his previous start, High Octane was let go on the tote to return $26.50 & $7.50, paving the way for a $2820 trifecta dividend.
Owned by Gregor & Donna Robson and Mrs I J P Stewart, High Octane had previously been seen at his best over a mile, impressing three times, and his affinity for middle distance racing has come as an older horse.
Now the winner of nine races for $230,000 in prize money, High Octane is in the right sort of form to cash in over the Christmas / New Year racing period.
