Six Win Saturday - Win No.2 Summer Monsoon

A dual winner when campaigned last season at Riccarton, Summer Monsoon  (6 g Stratum - Princess Narine, by Red Ransom) recorded a deserved victory in the $40,000 Wuhan Jockey Club Trophy Rating 74 1200 metres on Saturday.

Held up before running home solidly for sixth in the Rating 74 1400 metres on the first day of the carnival, a week earlier, Summer Monsoon was dropped back in distance by trainer Jamie Richards and although yet to win over the trip he did the job admirably under jockey Danielle Johnson.

“He never had a lot of luck on the first day and he's a tricky sort of horse that needs the right run in his races,” Richards said. “He needs a smother and then he can finish off. Back to 1200 metres, I thought he was really brave today, visor blinkers back on, it was a nice ride by Danielle (Johnson) and a good tough win.

“Danielle is a left-handed whip rider and he did lay in a bit, so it all worked out really well.”

Despite having finished second in two earlier runs this season at Riccarton, Summer Monsoon was a drifter on the NZ TAB tote to pay $14.50 & $4.30 after being at $10.00 & $3.30 fixed a day beforehand.

From barrier three, Johnson had Summer Monsoon beautifully positioned in fifth, presented in the better part of the going, centre track, on straightening and he displayed plenty of resolve in a close finish.

On Dead5 footing, he ran the 1200 metres 1:08.7 and last 600m in 34.5.

Owned by the Te Akau 2016 Sydney No. 1 Breeding Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), and good enough to finish second in the Matamata Slipper (Listed, 1200m) as two-year-old, Summer Monsoon was purchased by David Ellis at the Sydney Easter Yearling Sale, and recording his fifth victory.

“It's a great result for the owners,” Ellis said. “They've been very patient and I'm just thrilled that we've been able to win a really good race for them on New Zealand Cup Day.”

Summer Monsoon was strapped by Sumeet Pillay.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz

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