AUCKLAND PICKINGS FOR SAVEAPATROL NEXT MONTH
Class pacer Saveapatrol is to remain in Auckland for winter racing after finishing seventh to former stablemate Johnny Fox at Auckland on Friday night, June 26.
Saveapatrol, in action at the Addington trials earlier this month. He’ll continue to race in Auckland next month.
Saveapatrol, first-up for 15 months, had things go against him as the beaten favourite in the C3-7 Smith & Partners 2015 Winter Cup.
“We have pulled pin on the Oz (Queensland) trip as he had to win other night to warrant going,” said trainer Mark Jones.
“It was frustrating when he couldn’t get the front as it would have been good to give him every chance,” he said.
Saveapatrol made a dab for the lead mid-race but when the lead wasn’t there, had to restrain to trail, then was shuffled three back.
“The situation was made worst when a stablemate of the leader got handed a easy lead,” Mark said.
“Saveapatrol over-raced bad after that but that is racing I guess.
“I was a bit disappointed my horse didn’t finish it off better but after pulling hard and being fresh-up for so long he will only improve,” he said.
Saveapatrol’s owner Grant Hatton, along with wife Katherine, had better fortunes in the previous event.
Consistent stablemate Zakspatrol, raced by the Hattons’, made an impressive Auckland debut in the hands of Kim Butt, racing away for a penalty-free success in the C1-2 Pukekohe Builders Ltd Mobile Pace for junior drivers.
Zakspatrol, a big Art Major gelding from Shimmering Star, was a tentative travelling companion for a Queensland winter campaign, but will also now remain in Auckland for upcoming racing.
The 4YO eased to a three back trailing spot in the early stages, was forced four wide on the home turn, but ran out the 2700m strongly to win by a length and three-quarters from late finisher Flying Loose, and favourite First Home.
Zakspatrol, and Kimberly Butt, too good in the junior drivers pace at Auckland on Friday night.
Zakspatrol ran the mobile 2700m in 3:22.4 (2:00.6 mile rate), the leaders running their last 800m in 57.6s for his sixth win from 46 starts, for $44,604 in earnings.
Kimberly Butt, in just her second season of racedriving, was recording her 17th win of the season and her 31st from 303 career drives.
Kim had also won the junior drivers race at the Franklin meeting at Alexandra Park on June 19 with former Canterbury trotter Barry.
A week earlier she scored with the Ken Barron-trained Bracken Ridge at northern headquarters, and began the month in the north winning with Overport Lodge filly Real Torque at Auckland on June 6.
Mark’s decision to go north with a contingent of winter horses was fruitful last weekend.
He also prepared and drove Pomme Roy to power home for a three lengths win in the C1-2 Thai Night At Alex Park 28th August Mobile Pace in a 1:57.9 rate (2200m).
Rocker Band, with trainer Mark Jones. They scored a penalty-free Cambridge win on Thursday, June 25.
Mark also gained another training and driving win with smart filly Rocker Band at Cambridge on Thursday, June 25, and a third with stablemate Oasis Dream.
“It was a good weekend for stable up here with three wins. They earned 20k for the weekend so it was a good decision to come up here and get money in owners pockets,” he said.
Rocker Band’s win over Joanednobettor at Cambridge in a 1:58.7 rate (2200m), quickening over her last 800m in 56.7s was penalty-free and she will continue to try for 3YO concession wins in the north next month.
Oasis Dream, a gritty third behind Rockn Ruby and Westburn Courage in the C2 and faster pace over 2200m (stand), is likely to have one more start before transferring to Kerryn Manning’s Victorian stable.
Mark’s brace of northern wins has taken him to 59 wins for the season.
He is currently fifth on the trainers premiership, with stable runners just over $6000 short of $600,000 in winning stakes this term.
By Jeff Scott