OHOKA TEXAS WINS WINTON MILE
Ohoka Texas raced up to expectations for Overport trainer Mark Jones, and junior driver Regan Todd, in his Winton debut on Sunday, October 16, equalling the track mile mark of 1:54.1.
The Christian Cullen-Millwood Touche entire blazed over his final 800m in 54.8s and his closing 400m in a sizzling 26.7s to equal Nuclear Byrd’s mile when trained by the late Eric Ryan in December 1997 _ then the NZ mile record.
Auckland Reactor subsequently lowered the NZ male mile mark to 1:52.9 at Ashburton in February.
Former top mare Kiwi Ingenuity holds the honour of pacing NZ’s fastest mile with her 1:52.1 to win the 4YO Jewels Emerald in 2009.
Regan was determined to get $1.60 favourite Ohoka Texas home after being outfinished on a couple of favourites in junior driver races earlier this month.
But Ohoka Texas, after smart workout wins at Rangiora and Motukarara in recent weeks, didn’t let Regan or his supporters down, leading up to hold Victoria Derby placegetter Matt Maguire (parked mostly) by half a length.
Miss Moonlite, who trailed on the outer, fought well for third a further half a length away, being race-timed in 1:54.3.
Trainer Mark Jones says Ohoka Texas isn’t properly screwed down yet. He believes there will be improvement in the horse heading into races at next month’s New Zealand Cup meeting.
Sunday’s win was a well-placed penalty free win for the stable newcomer, who remains on a 3-win assessment.
Last season’s Southern Supremacy 3YO Final winner notched his seventh win from just 14 starts, taking his earnings to $69,497, for owners Katie, Adam and Olivia Carville.