Military Step - Winning Double

Continuing top summer form, Military Step (5 g Tavistock - Marching On, by Pentire) ran out a very good winner of the $20,000 South Waikato Cup (Open, 2000m) on 17 March at Matamata.

Freshened since a deserved and comprehensive victory in the Rating 65 2040 metres on 14 January at Wanganui, winning as a favourite ($2.20) should, Military Step provided Te Akau apprentice Joe Kamaruddin (a3) with his second win on the programme after scoring in the first aboard stable-mate Shebringsmerubies (Sebring).

Between wins, Military Step had worked through the line nicely over a sprint trip when trialling on 3 March at Rotorua, and presented in fresh but forward condition.

Kamaruddin improved from sixth aboard Military Step nearing the 600m to range three wide rounding the home turn and he continued quickening in the straight to wear down Open Handicap winner Super Hoof (Cape Blanco).

On footing upgraded to Dead4, Military Step ran the 2000 metres in 2:03.7, winning by two and a quarter lengths, and paid $2.60 & $1.40. The embodiment of consistency in 12 starts, he recorded his third win, alongside three seconds and thirds.

Purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $62,500 at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale, from the draft of Seaton Park, owned by Te Akau Quick March Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), Military Step is the first foal of talented race mare Marching On (Pentire). A racehorse with very good ability, she impressed with an excellent turn of foot when winning three times and clearly passed on those attributes.

“He's taken time to develop and raced sparingly as a result, but he won very well last start at Wanganui, and Jamie (Richards) has done a great job having him in the right order to win again today,” Ellis said.

“I'm thrilled for his owners. It's a good race to win and great for Joe (Kamaruddin) to get the job done twice during the meeting. He will take plenty of confidence from that.”

While his dam showed brilliance over shorter trips, Military Step has illustrated by winning twice to 2040 metres that he has the pedigree and physique to stretch out over middle distances.

His sire, Tavistock, has been clearly the best sire son of Montjeu (Sadler's Wells) at stud in New Zealand, and dam-sire Pentire (Be My Guest) has left Group One sprint winners through to a Melbourne Cup (3200m) winner. A cross of immortal stallion Northern Dancer in his sire lines also adds to the stamina in his pedigree.

“It was a good performance by the horse and a lovely ride from Joe (Kamaruddin),” Richards said. “He found a nice spot, got on his bike early to be in good position on straightening and he found a really good kick.

“I was very pleased with that and he will take benefit from the race, as well. We'd given him a break, and a trial, and he'd come on nicely for that. Not sure where to next, but we'll sort that out.”

Accepting on behalf of the owners, Neil Bartosh said: “Hat's off to Joe for a great ride. The horse has caused a few issues for Jamie, so thank you Jamie for the way you've trained him. Thank you too racing manager Libby Richards, and everyone in the Te Akau team.

“We've won a cup and I'm sure we'll fill it.”

Military Step was strapped by Roushan Khan.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz