5 Win Saturday - Gee Whizz Kabugee

Super Saturday saw five Te Akau trained horses salute the judge trans-Tasman - the last of the Kiwi winning quartet (before heading to Melbourne to witness Quintessa romp to victory) came courtesy of Kabugee, how great to see him back in the winner's circle!

Recording the fourth New Zealand success on the day for Te Akau trainers Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson, Kabugee (5 g Satono Aladdin – Kabuki, by Shinko King) produced a brave performance in the $40,000 Racecourse Hotel & Motor Lodge Rating 65 1400 metres on Saturday at Riccarton.

After winning the first two-year-old race this season with To Bravery Born (Snitzel) at Wanganui, the training combination gained additional wins with The Victress (Zousain) and Fellini (Belardo) at Riccarton.

The winner of three races, and previously competitive at stakes' level in the North Island, Kabugee was dropping back in grade after coming from last with a good finish for close sixth in the Rating 75 1400 metres on 16 August at Oamaru. Carrying the top weight of 60-kilos was only one significant factor he had to overcome in winning.

Ridden by Wiremu Pinn, the former Te Akau apprentice, who rode three winners on the card and five in eight days for the stable, Kabugee was urged from barrier two to lead but he was immediately taken on, and after Cinnamon Girl popped off the trail to head him 300m out, he had the audacity to come back on the inside and dig deep to win.

While he certainly appeared a top three chance dropping back in grade, it really was a brave performance to carry the weight and win in that manner.

“I thought it was really good effort, given he was well and truly headed at the 300m and he fought back to win, so that was encouraging,” Walker said.

“We just hope he’s now got that winning feeling again, because it will give him confidence to go on with it. 

“They owners have been very patient and we love seeing that rewarded.  He’s still lightly raced, so hopefully the best is still to come and there’s more ahead for him.”

On Good4 footing, Kabugee ran 1400 metres in 1:23.6 and shortened quite dramatically just before the close of betting to pay $3.60 & $1.90 on the NZ TAB tote.

Bred by Cambridge Hunt, which includes the brothers Barry, Graeme and Peter Hunt, Kabugee is owned in conjunction with Kabugee 2020 Syndicate, managed by Stephen Hunt (TAB bookmaker) and comprises about 15 family & friends.

Kabugee is out of stakes' performed mare Kabuki, an impressive winner over 1400 metres and is the half-sister to Champion Sire Tavistock (Montjeu), who, along with Kabugee, has left smart dual winner Akerra (Ekraar).

Kabugee was strapped by Naomi Warrander.

Photo credit - Ajay Berry - www.raceimages.co.nz