RANGIORA WORKOUTS, March 17
Ohoka Texas resumed with an improver’s third at the Rangiora workouts on Saturday, March 17.
The Christian Cullen entire was sent to the front with 1250m to run in the 3-wins and faster mobile 2000m pace by Burnham trainer-driver Mark Jones.
He was narrowly over-shadowed on the line by capable mare Together Again, three back over the last lap, and fellow Superstar hopeful River Black (parked), the winner pacing the mobile 2000m in 2:29.6 (2:00.3 mile rate).
Ohoka Texas quickened the tempo over the final lap, sharpening over the leaders last 800m in 56.3s and final 400m in 28.4s.
“I was pretty happy with him,” Mark said.
“He went about the same as at the workouts before the Pelorus Trust race at Blenheim. He’s a different horse when he has to race.”
Ohoka Texas was freshened after his unplaced run in the Waikouaiti Cup on February 12.
He had won his previous four on end, including runaway wins in the Pelorus Trust 4YO Classic and the Invercargill Cup.
“The Superstar will be a hard race. I think Terror To Love and a few other good ones will be in it but we’ll have a go,” Mark said.
Stablemate Princeton, spelled after last racing at Ashburton in November, could also resume on Friday after also hitting out well at the workouts.
The Bettor’s Delight gelding ran on from three back on the inner for second, 1 3/4 lengths from front-running winner Jay Bees Grin, in their 1-win or faster mobile 2000m pace on Saturday.
Jay Bees Grin was clear throughout for trainer David Moore, pacing the 2000m in 2:28.2 (1:59.2 mile rate), quickening over his last 800m in 56.9s, with the closing 400m in 29s.
Itz Dreamin Jonesy, a Bettor’s Delight colt from It Got The Giggles in the Jones team, also shaped well, running a half-head second to Justalittlebettor in a 2.45 learners pace.
Justalittlebettor, trained by David and Catherine Butt, ran the 2000m from a stand in 2:45.6, the leaders running their last 800m in 58.8s and closing 400m in 27.6s.