6 Win Saturday - Rascal Romps In

In a super lead-up to the New Zealand Cup, I’m A Dirty Rascal (8 g Galileo – Remember When, by Danehill Dancer) won the $50,000 NZB Airfreight Road To Jericho Rating 82 3000 metres on Saturday at Riccarton.

A staying horse purchased by David Ellis CNZM for A$95,000 at the Inglis Digital Online (Late) November 2024, I’m A Dirty Rascal won over 2500 metres in Ireland, where he also finished second in the Down Royal Ulster Derby (2551m) and fourth in the Group 1 Irish St Leger (2816m), and prior to being on sold he finished fourth in the Listed Christmas Cup (2400m) at Rosehill, and second over 2400 metres at Randwick, after transferring to Australia.

I’m A Dirty Rascal was a given a good pipe opener to step in distance when fighting well for close fifth, after making a move at the 1000 metres to get handier, in the Rating 75 2600 metres on 10 October at Taupo, and the team knew he would relish the step up in distance.

Given a gem of a ride by Opie Bosson ONZM, I’m A Dirty Rascal bided his time with an economical trip in midfield, travelled ominously when improving behind horses turning for home, and displayed his true staying qualities to prevail in a driving finish.

“It’s really good to see him back in the winner’s circle,” said Mark Walker, training partner with Sam Bergerson. “It had been 1573 days since his only win, but he still remembered how to get the job done, so congratulations to the horse.

“We bought him with the idea of having a Cups' horse and he was actually really unlucky in the Auckland Cup, earlier this year, when he was coming into it. 

“It was really good to get that confidence building win, today, and his next start will be the New Zealand Cup, where we expect him to run out the trip very strongly.”

Contested on the third day of Cup Week, Saturday 15 November at the Riccarton, the $450,000 Group 3 Martin Collins 162nd New Zealand Cup (3200m) was won by the Te Akau trained Mehzebeen last year, and is also on the agenda for stable-mates Court Of Appeal (Eminent) and Elegant Lady (Highly Recommended).

 “I was at Riccarton and watched I’m A Dirty Rascal work this morning and Sage Duric (rider), when she came off the track, said: “Mark, he’s just feels so well compared to how he was back in his Melbourne days when we first bought him,” Walker added. 

“I think the change of environment has really helped this horse. Hunter (Durrant) has only had him for a couple of weeks, but the sun on his back down here has worked wonders.”

On Good4 footing, I’m A Dirty Rascal ran 3000 metres in 3:09.5, scoring by a neck, and paying $3.50 & $1.60 on the NZ TAB tote.

Reflecting on the time between wins, assistant trainer Hunter Durrant said: “It’s been a long time between drinks for him, but a super ride from Opie. He cut back to rail and then came out again and he looked the winner a long way from home. 

“I think we’ll go straight into the New Zealand Cup, from here.”

I’m A Dirty Rascal was strapped by Ruby Rae.

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