Te Akau Group 1 Exhibition Gallop

$250,000 Livamol Classic (Gr. 1, 2040m) favourite Gingernuts (Iffraaj) along with stable-mate and race rival Chance To Dance (Teofilo) completed an exhibition on Saturday at Matamata, before the rescheduled running of the race on Sunday 22 October at Hastings.

On slow ground, Gingernuts, with Opie Bosson aboard, and Chance To Dance under Leith Innes, worked over 1200 metres in 1:15.6, 1000m in 1:01.5, 800m in 48.2, and last 600m in 35.1.

Prior to the upcoming third race in the Hawkes Bay Triple Crown, co-trainer Jamie Richards said: “They'll do some nice work again on Tuesday. Very similar work, but probably not quite as strong as that, they won't be out to break any records, and a little bit of three-quarter (pace) on Thursday on their own.

“It would have been a month between runs, by the time we get back to Hastings, so they were out for a look around and they both went well. Opie was particularly happy with Gingernuts, he attacked the line strongly and Chance To Dance, he's an older stayer and doesn't do too much until race day comes around, but we're certainly pleased with the way both horses are going.

“They're both stepping to 2000 metres for the first time in this campaign and it was a great opportunity to get a bit more work into them than what they would do in the morning, so we're very pleased and thanks to the (Matamata) Club for letting us.

On hand to witness the gallop, Te Akau principal David Ellis, who purchased both horses, said: “I thought it was really good work by Chance To Dance and an exceptional gallop from Gingernuts, and they are both great chances in the Livamol.

“To run 35 on the course proper, under a hold, is a pretty good time on slow ground. It was great work from the horse (Gingernuts) and he'll be very hard to beat next Sunday.”

Opie Bosson said: “He's flying (Gingernuts). I gave him a click at the 200m and he just went whoosh.”

Leith Innes said: “He worked well (Chance to Dance) and was good through the line, but the other horse worked exceptionally.”

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz