Good as Gold

Justifying favouritism, Pokuru Gold (3 g Darci Brahma – Pokuru Nugget, by Stravinsky) made it three from three when winning the $40,000 Auckland Co-op Taxis 3YO 1200 metres on Saturday at Pukekohe.

Having raced away to win on debut earlier this season, Pokuru Gold drew out to score easily by two and a half lengths when resuming on Heavy8 footing in the 3YO 1100 metres on 18 May at Te Rapa, also with stable rider Opie Bosson aboard, and the same combination was again successful.

When winning at Te Rapa, Pokuru Gold notched the 150th win this season for premiership leading trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson.

Victory was not all plain sailing on this occasion though, as Pokuru Gold received buffeting when attempting to clear traffic early in the home straight and after changing ground to lead a furlong out, he then had to withstand a stern challenge from second placed Rareza.

But in the end, his obviously ability shone through and despite the narrow margin (long neck) he won comfortably. 

On Heavy9 footing, Pokuru Gold ran 1200 metres in 1:13.5 and paid $1.40 on the NZ TAB tote. 

On course to oversee the only runner at the meeting for Te Akau, New Zealand assistant trainer Nicole Shailer said: “It was a really good win. He obviously got into a little bit of trouble as they swung for home and looked like he may not get a run, but he got out he’s really battled down to the line.

“He handles the wet and hopefully if he pulls up well out of this race, he could head to Trentham in a couple of weeks for the 3YO 1000-metre race down there.”

In training for breeder/owner Ian Farrelly, who has a strong association with Te Akau and many successes with horses often carrying the Pokuru prefix, Pokuru Gold is by Darci Brahma, who Te Akau principal David Ellis CNZM purchased as a yearling at Karaka, from the Pencarrow Stud draft. He went on to win five Group One races, and be named Champion 2YO, Champion 3YO and Champion Sprinter/Miler as a 4YO, before becoming a Champion Sire.

Deriving speed from dam Pokuru Nugget (Stravinsky), who won over 1200 metres, Pokuru Gold is out of a top Waikato Stud family, going back to third dam Star of the Knight (Sir Tristram), which includes Group One winners by Savabeel (Zabeel): Diademe and Te Akau trained Noverre (now standing at Waikato Stud), along with terrific filly Starcent (Centaine), and Farrelly purchased the grand-dam Pokuru Star (O’Reilly), from Waikato, as a yearling at Karaka. 

“It was a great win today,” Walker added. “Gee, he’s tough because he had to carry top weight (58kg) in testing track conditions and he really lifted to the line.

“He’s a very good homebred racehorse for Ian (Farrelly) and it’s always great to train another winner for him and his family.

“He’s not a big horse, but he’s all heart and done a great job to win all three starts so far.”

Pokuru Gold was strapped by Errol (Egg Roll) Rich. 

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz