Racing: Manawatu victory an ideal stepping stone to Wellington Cup

The Manawatu Cup probably won't be considered a strong form race come the Wellington Cup next month but trainer David Haworth will be hoping to turn that to his advantage.

The Manawatu horseman, who trains in partnership with Matt Dixon at Awapuni, is the trainer of Tullaroan who bridged the gap to open class in winning the $70,000 Manawatu Cup at Awapuni on Saturday.

The field was far from a vintage one but Haworth hopes that will be reflected when it comes to handicapping Tullaroan for the $200,000 Wellington Cup at Trentham on January 29.

Tullaroan had only nine rivals on Saturday and none had earned more than $150,000 in stakemoney, a low sum for a group three handicap.

"When you look at the field today, in all fairness, it wasn't great," Haworth said on Saturday.

In addition, Tullaroan was weighted at 53kg, just one kilogram above the minimum weight, but that was a key to the win, along with the heavy track conditions, Haworth said.

"The way the track was with a bit of rain and no weight, it was ideal for him," he said.

"But as times goes on, weight will always be an issue for him. He's only a little fellow."

The average height for a thoroughbred is about 16 hands but Tullaroan, a 6-year-old gelding by Generous, stands at about 15.1 hands.

"He has needed a bit of time and bit of age to get robust enough to do the job. But he's a pretty genuine and honest little horse."

Tullaroan was having just his 21st start for a record of six wins, four seconds and three thirds. The winner's purse of $40,625 doubled his stake earnings to nearly $80,000.

Nominations for the Wellington Cup were taken last month and while Tullaroan is not among them a late entry clause, at a cost of $3700, remains available up to January 25, the day before Wellington Cup field is declared.

Haworth said there was a strong chance Tullaroan would be among the late entries. The Wellington Cup is run over 2400m, which is only 100m further than the Manawatu Cup.

"I don't think the Wellington Cup would create too many issues for him and in race like that he should still get in with a nice weight."

A likely lead-up programme would include the $55,000 Marton Cup (2200m) at Awapuni on January 15.

On Saturday, Tullaroan settled mid-field and although three wide it made little difference in the wet ground. Rider Darryl Bradley sent him forward on the home turn and had reached the lead at the top of the straight.

From there, he showed great determination to hold his rivals at bay and went on to score by three-quarters of a length as $6.50 third favourite.

Second was Cassini who was handy throughout but could not reel in the winner. Three-quarters of a length away third was So Pristine who ran on well in the straight.

Pacemaker Royal Jazz was 1 lengths back in fourth, with second favourite Yours finishing fifth after getting back in the field.

Favourite Can't Keeper Down was camped in behind the leaders at the top of the straight but found nothing extra in the straight.

- NZPA