A Towering Performance

Strapping chestnut Skyscraper (4 g Manhattan Rain - Grand Performance, by Palace Music) confirmed his favouritism with a huge win in the Slattery Contracting Rating 65 High-Weight 1600 metres on June 1 at Matamata.

The highest rated and best credentialed horse in the field, Skyscraper benefitted by drawing the outside barrier in testing Heavy11 conditions and after flying the gates he tracked an idle path wide on the track for rider Daniel Miller.

Travelling kindly and revelling in the ground, he crossed to lead at the 1000m, strode clear of his rivals inside the 800m and took a commanding seven-length advantage to the line.

Covering the mile in 1:46.4, last 600m in 44.5, he closed off at quite differing odds: $4.40 & $1.90 fixed and $3.10 & $1.70 tote.

Such was the nature of the footing that co-trainer Stephen Autridge drew comparison to the 600-metre time, saying: “He did some easy work on the course proper the other morning and ran the 600m in exactly the same time (44.5).

“It was good to watch and although we've had a lot of problems with him over the years, one thing's for sure that once he's out there he's pretty tough and genuine,” said Autridge.

Skyscraper was recording his third win for the Te Akau Skyscraper Syndicate, after being purchased cheaply by David Ellis.

“He's a horse I bought at the [NZB] Premier Sale for $25,000 and he's rewarding the owners with some exciting wins,” said Ellis.

“I take my hat off to Steve and Jamie, as he's been a difficult horse temperament wise. But, they've actually got into this horse's head and worked out what makes it tick and what makes him happy.

“They've varied his work to include a lot of schooling and he's an example of why Te Akau has had such a good season - the horses are being trained and looked after so well."

Ellis was also highly complementary of rider Daniel Miller.

“It gives me a big thrill every time we give Dan Miller a ride, because he's such an important part of the team.  Not only is he a wonderfully gifted horseman, but also a good friend to us all and a very popular member of the team.

“We wouldn't be as successful without our top track work riders and Daniel leads the field,” said Ellis.

With a lead of seven in the premiership, Skyscraper provided the trainers with their 95^th win for the season.

Skyscraper was strapped by Scott Price.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz