Leaderboard a Listed Wellington Winner
Date: 20 Mar 2022
Relishing the trip, Leaderboard (7 g Street Cry - Flower Fairy, by Dynaformer) was a decisive winner of the $60,000 Barneswood Farm New Zealand St Leger (Listed, 2600m) on Oaks Day (19 March) at Trentham.
Ending his autumn campaign last year with consecutive wins to 2400 metres, and a strong winner over 2400 metres in Ireland before being purchased, Leaderboard went winless in four starts during a spring campaign from Te Akau's base at Riccarton, but his time in the south did include a very good third in the New Zealand Cup (Gr. 3, 3200m).
His sire Street Cry (Machiavellian) also left Winx, Champion US mare Zenyatta, Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense, and Melbourne Cup winner Shocking, so stamina runs in the blood and Leaderboard has his share.
At his previous start, Leaderboard finished fifth off a handy trip in a Rating 74 2000 metres on 26 February at Matamata, won by stable-mate Exaltation (Not A Single Doubt), but the increasing distance and a perfect ride by Michael McNab worked the oracle.
From sixth on the outer, McNab sent Leaderboard into contention from the 600m and he never flinched after leading inside the final 300m to eventually score comfortably by one and a quarter lengths.
McNab had ridden four winners midweek at Matamata, and Leaderboard provided his second early on the card at Trentham.
On Dead4 footing, Leaderboard ran 2600 metres in 2:39.6 and held firm in betting to pay $10.20 & $3.10 on NZ TAB tote.
“They went along at a genuine tempo and he outstayed them,†said trainer Jamie Richards after securing his first St Leger.
“He was the best looking horse in the birdcage, with the best walk, but has had a bit of trouble with his feet, like some of those European horses can. But the team at home has done a great job with him and he was given a lovely ride by Michael (McNab).
“I thought he may need a bit of easing in the ground, but he's done it well there today. It's just a shame we couldn't get him right for the Wellington Cup (Gr. 1, 3200m) because he would have been a really good chance in a race like that.â€
Asked whether Leaderboard could be around for Cups' races next season, Richards said: “He has a very bright future as a jumper. He's very good at that, so we'll see what happens.â€
Owned by Fortuna Leaderboard Syndicate (Mgr: John Galvin), Leaderboard was purchased in October 2018 at the Tattersalls Sale in U.K.
“We bought him at a Tattersalls' sale to be a stayer,†said Galvin, from the course. “It's a fantastic result for us and he represents a big syndicate of people from all over New Zealand.
“With the owners that could attend the club was very kind to give us a presentation ceremony in the room we're in.
“It was a pretty good watch. He looked to be travelling well the whole race and very well rated by Michael McNab. When they turned in and he hit the front, I had visions of the New Zealand Cup where he did that and got run down. But this time he was able to hold on, and hold on very well.
“We had a question mark over a firm track. Obviously he is a horse that likes to get his toe into the ground and I was looking for rain during the week, but it didn't arrive.
“However, watching the races here today they seem to be getting into it a bit and coming off the rail as well. So that tells me the irrigation is working pretty well.â€
Leaderboard was strapped by Lydia Truesdale.
Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz
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