West Coast cemented himself at the top of the steeplechasing ranks at Te Rapa on Sunday, the top-class jumper claiming the elusive National/Northern double when taking out the Ben and Ryan Foote Racing Great Northern Steeplechase (6500m).
An impeccably-timed ride by Aaron Kuru saw the Paul Nelson and Corrina McDougal-trained Nedwin take home the spoils in a true staying contest in Sunday’s Peter Kelly – Bayleys Great Northern Hurdle (4200m) at Te Rapa.
Cambridge horseman Shaun Phelan took two horses to New Plymouth on Saturday and they did him proud by providing the quinella in the second race on the card, the Signright Open (1800m).
Class mare Mustang Valley proved a cut above her rivals at New Plymouth on Saturday as she relished the Heavy10 surface on offer to race clear in the feature flat event, the Seaton Park Open (1400m).
Mr Brightside notched his fourth Group One victory in comfortable fashion when landing the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday.
Five-year-old gelding Satness scored a strong win in the Midway Handicap (1600m) at Randwick for trainers Robert and Luke Price, providing returning jockey Brock Ryan with a first metropolitan success since a five-month layoff with a shoulder injury.
Underrated galloper Lady Telena continued a good run of recent form with a comfortable victory in the Martin Collins New Zealand Cup Trial (1800m) at Riccarton on Saturday.
Quality three-year-old filly Viva Vienna confirmed she will be a major contender for the Gr.1 Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) in November with another fighting victory in the feature event at Riccarton on Saturday, the Listed New Zealand Bloodstock Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m).
Smart three-year-old Pushy remains unbeaten after three starts following an easy victory at Newcastle on Friday for trainer Michael Freedman.
Friday was meant to mark a big step forward in the spring preparation of multiple Group One winner Prowess, but it has instead handed her connections another frustrating setback.
There are few prestige jumping trophies missing from Paul Nelson’s mantlepiece, but the Great Northern Steeplechase is one that has eluded the Hastings trainer over his career.
Despite a bold return to racing by Mustang Valley at Te Rapa last month, trainer Andrew Forsman has resisted the temptation to raise the bar any earlier than he needs to.
