Very Highly Likely

Specked in the market, Highly Likely (5 g High Chaparral - Starrinka, by Volksraad) recorded a determined second up win in the Paramount Hire Group Maiden & Jumpers High-Weight 2100 metres on 28 April at Tauranga.

Suited by the Slow7 footing, and well placed under the race conditions, the $2.40 & $1.50 closing price was skinny but warrantable after running on into midfield behind subsequent Championship Stakes (Gr. 2, 2100m) winner The Hassler (Shocking) when resuming in the Rating 75 1600 metres at Pukekohe.

The divvy was a far cry from the $25.80 & $5.60 return for his previous win in the $17,500 Sensortronic Scales Rating 65 2100 metres at Te Rapa.

Purchased by Te Akau principal David Ellis for $80,000 at the 2012 South Island Sale, from the draft of Phoenix Park, he positioned outside the leader for a majority of the race, travelled well to gain an advantage rounding the home turn and staved off challengers under a rigorous ride by Daniel Miller.

“He's had a couple of days at Anne Browne's jumping school", said co-trainer Stephen Autridge.

“He doesn't go to bad [at jumping] and it might be what he wants, but it was a good win today and he claimed three kilos which made it easier.

“The breed gets better with time; he's not an old horse and hasn't done a lot of racing.   We should all have a bit more fun, yet,” said Autridge.

Notching his fourth victory, Highly Likely had responded well to being trained from the paddock - a facility that Te Akau is fortunate to offer - and his fitness levels are very good after varying his training regime to include jumping and hill work.

Owned by the Fortuna Highly Likely Syndicate (Mgr: John Galvin), Northern Dancer and Sir Ivor appear in the pedigree. His grand-dam, Zablinka (Zabeel) won the Wakfield Stakes (Gr. 3, 1200m) at Trentham, and he is a half-brother to capable staying horse Brad Thorn (Thorn Park), from the family of the stakes winning The Meista (Montjeu).

“I think the winning of the race was when a horse went around them at the 1000 metres and Dan (Miller) set him alight,” said Galvin.

“He will stay on the flat for now and only jump as plan B.

Recording their 77^th win this season, keeps Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards ahead of the field for premiership honours.

Highly Likely was strapped by Janet Farmer-Groves.

Picture credit - www.raceimages.co.nz

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