Gingernuts Crunches Them

Fresh from a phenomenal win with Melody Belle (Commands) in the $1m Karaka Million (Listed, 1200m) on Sunday at Ellerslie, trainers Stephen Autridge & Jamie Richards presented Gingernuts to win on Monday at Te Teko.

Under a lovely ride by Matt Cameron, Gingernuts ran out a comfortable winner of the Nicholson Autos Rating 65 1600 metres.

Owned by the Te Akau Gingernuts' Syndicate (Mgr: D C Ellis), Gingernuts had won a trial on the course as a two-year-old, scored with his ears pricked after a meritorious debut second to Group One winning stable-mate Hall of Fame (Savabeel) and continues to flourish as a young horse with professionalism, determination, and galloping ability.

From a mare that won five races in Australia, Gingernuts was purchased by David Ellis for $42,500 at the 2015 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale.

“We were really pleased to see him back in the winner's circle today,” Richards said.

“He had a frustrating run at Tauranga last week, where the track was a little bit off, he was back on the fence and it just didn't pan out for him, but we changed things around a little bit since then which he has really appreciated.

Although a touch tardy from barrier one, Gingernuts was hunted up to a trailing position by Cameron, albeit it distant third, and after being pushed into contention at the 400m he strode away over the concluding stages to win handsomely.

At the line, Gingernuts was still increasing his two and three-quarter length margin. He ran the 1600 metres in a respectable 1:35.6 and paid $4.40 & $1.50 on both the tote and fixed odds.

“Matt (Cameron) was vigorous early to put him up near the speed and he really kicked away well in the straight,” Richards said.

“He certainly is a horse that we have held in high regard and it's good to see for the owners that he's putting it together on the track.

“He can keep stepping up through the grades and he's a horse that has a lot of upside to him,” he said.

Te Akau principal David Ellis said: “He was a bit disappointing last start at Tauranga, but it was a beautiful ride by Matt (Cameron) and great to see him turn the form around.

“We also bought his full-brother privately and as a young two-year-old we have him going nicely through his paces.

Ellis added: “It's great when I'm busy at the (Karaka) sales to also be winning races for our owners and Gingernuts was our fifty first win this season.

“We've had a wonderful day at Karaka, bought fifteen yearlings so far, some terrific value, and we've paid from $100,000 to $220,000 and we've got some nice horses to buy tomorrow (Tuesday).

Gingernuts was strapped by Wiremu Pinn.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz