Robson Cruises to Effortless Sunday Manukau Win

There’s no doubt that the road to the looming $35,000 Waterloo Cup is going to witness an absolute cracker set of four qualifying heats which will be held on four tracks throughout the country. Strongly thrusting his paws into serious contention for the October 6 Group 1 title via his outstanding win in Sunday’s feature $5,000 Clover Park Cup at the Manukau Stadium on Sunday was the Peter Ferguson prepared Robson.

Pictured: Robson following his stylish Sunday Clover Park win with Wendy and Peter Ferguson, plus also co-owners Ian and Carol O’Neil

Robson also provides Ferguson with a solid looking pair of Waterloo Cup contenders after another of his runners Keysile impressed in the bold manner that she won her Thursday Cambridge C4/5 457m event (Robson finished second to her).

Robson was making his Manukau race track debut outing on Sunday. He adapted brilliantly to his first-up assignment, picking the jump nicely from the 527m three trap to lead his rivals into the first turn. From that point it was game, set and match for Robson as he freewheeled his way to comfortable 7.5 length feature win. As commentator Peter Earley called, “It’s all Robson – he wins nicely,” about the quick 30.38s gallop.

Opawa Magic had speared forward from trap seven to chase the pacemaker for her trainer Glennis Farrell, while the Ben Craik prepared Cameo Syd was handily placed along the rail. They made no impression on the leader as they boldly chased after him with Opawa Magic claiming second by a half-length over Cameo Syd, while the Emma Potts trained Our Rick charged home late to finish a neck further behind in fourth.

“I’m favouring running both of them (Robson and Keysile) in the Cambridge Waterloo Cup heat at this stage,” suggested Ferguson postrace. That alone will ensure a keenly contested September 26 457m heat. Addington will host a 520m heat on that evening, while Hatrick will stage their 520m heat the following night. The final heat will be hosted at Manukau on September 29 over 527m.

Robson has now been to the races on 24 occasions, resulting in nine wins and eight minor placings. He has accumulated $49,583 in stake earnings for his owners Peter Ferguson and Ian O’Neil who sponsors the Group 1 Railway Sprint via his Qualified Pet Services business.   

 The Sunday Clover Park podium included (from left): Winner Robson; runner up Opawa Magic; third placed Cameo Syd

By Peter Fenemor