Federal Morgan Impresses in Hatrick Classic Heat
Only two heats were carded for both the Whanganui Distance and the Hatrick Classic on Friday night where the top four of each heat would cement a spot in this weeks dual Group One finals.
An even spread of contenders took their spot in the Whanganui Distance heats with Arch Lawrence, Karen Walsh, and Sam Lozell travelling from their Waikato bases while Jean and Dave Fahey and Riley Evans trained runners represented the South Island. The Hatrick Classic was largely dominated by the Lisa Cole Kennels.
Heat One of the Whanganui Distance did not pan out like many would have anticipated. Thrilling Nina who has been superb at Manawatu winning the Nancy Cobain at Group 2 level, found a heap of trouble after settling back early and was never in contention, missing out on the final she was tipped by many to go close in. Second favourite Student Loan despite the one box found his fair share of early trouble also and he was lucky to qualify himself finishing a disappointing fourth. The Jean and Dave Fahey trained kennel mate Mr Blackjack speared to the front, leading for a lap before the Shaynee for Sam Lozell took over on the final turn winning in a time of 44.68s. Baileys Nice for Arch Lawrence battled his way past Mr Blackjack late for second position.
The Second heat was expected to be a hotly contested affair early and it certainly was with Bronski Beat and Von Strass flying through the sprint section of the race in a 17.55s. Bronski Beat went into overdrive down the back straight the final time putting a space on his opponents, before a late charge from Von Strass came up a nose short on the line. Gem for the Fahey’s finished third ahead of Little Teegs as they make up the final spots for this weeks $30,000 final.
Whanganui Cup victor Big Time Lantao was sensational in a fresh state, taking out the first heat of the Hatrick Classic. Jilliby Litsa and Nova Willow both coming off sensational wins last start were both expected to qualify but the Lisa Cole pair missed away early and never recovered. Bigtime Lantao used her trademark consistent beginning to set up a lightning 18.36s to the back mark leading all of the way in a time of 30.27. New Zealand Cup winner Rock On John run on well for second, while Big Time Tommey, and Bigtime Brody fought out third and fourth positions.
Federal Morgan was exceptional in his pair of runs at Addington, starting as a very warm favourite he did not disappoint. Big Time Brie deserves a lot of praise also after taking it up to her kennel mate early with a ridiculous 18.22s split to the back mark. Federal Morgan was always within striking range however as he loomed up and zoomed on by half way down the straight completing the 520m journey in an astonishing 29.58. Big Time Brie will derive great benefit from that run and she is a real threat again the final. Big Time Maple and Just as Much for Sam Lozell will round out the field for this weeks Group 1 $30,000 final, after finishing third and fourth respectively.
Written by Shane Kendall
