10 Apr 2017
Exciting Tavistock galloper Hiflyer has all but confirmed his bid for the Gr.2 Manco Easter Stakes (1600m) at Ellerslie later this month after producing another effortless performance to score at Trentham.
The Peter Lock-trained gelding followed up his eye-catching victory at Te Rapa last month with an equally impressive display as he dominated a disappointingly small field in Saturday's open 1600m contest.
Settled outside the pace by rider Johnathan Parkes, Hiflyer soon had his three rivals in trouble when he skipped clear early in the run home.
Despite gawking around at all and sundry in the final stages the Sir Patrick and Justine, Lady Hogan-bred four-year-old gelding never looked like being caught as he registered his fifth win from 13 career starts.
"I was worried about the heavy track before the race as he's never been on ground like that before," Lock said.
"He's very fit though and we knew he was right up to the mark so with it only being a small field I was hoping he would cope with it. He dipped and dived a bit but seemed to get through it okay which gives me a lot of confidence to push on to Ellerslie."
Lock indicated a start in the Easter Stakes was now likely given Hiflyer had shown he could cope with heavy going.
"We will be having a meeting later in the week to make a final decision on the Easter but after this win it would seem a logical choice to line him up," he said.
"You just don't know what type of track you will strike but he's right at his peak and I don't think that run will have taken much out of him as they basically cantered around and then sprinted home.
"He travelled back to home base overnight and is in his paddock now looking bright and happy. Johnathan said he was all class and that gives you plenty of confidence.
"I've spent all my life trying to get horses to win a race and then a bloke like this comes along. It's quite scary but very exciting at the same time." ? NZ Racing Desk