Racing: A G's White Socks wins Taylor Mile

A G's White Socks wins Taylor Mile at Alexandra Park. Photo / Trish Dunell

Luck's a fortune in the racing game and that was never better emphasised than in Friday night's Group 1 $100,000 Taylor Mile at Alexandra Park.

A bevy of top horses lined up in the sprint feature but ultimately it was the horse that had the best draw and best trip that got the spoils.

A G's White Socks, driven by Ricky May, led early then trailed Let It Ride for a majority of the race before coming up the passing lane to win stylishly in 2.00.3, a mile-rate of 1.53.5.

Co-trainer Greg Hope, who prepares in partnership with wife Nina, was happy to take advantage of the good fortune bestowed upon the horse by the barrier gods.

"There's not much between any of those top horses and it all comes down to who gets the best run," he said after the race.

The win came not long after A G's White Socks took out the Group 1 Easter Cup over two miles late last month, giving weight to Hope's long-held believe that the horse would be a star.

"I've always felt he was good enough to get to Cup class and that's the reason I wanted to keep him in the stable when we got a big offer for him last season."

The horse's original owner, and breeder, Cambridge's Pat Laboyrie, sold a majority share-holding to other Hope stable clients, retaining a quarter for himself and most of them were on course tonight.

"We owe Pat a lot, because we wouldn't have the horse in the stable if it wasn't for him.

"He actually wanted to sell his remaining share recently but I talked him out of it.

"He's glad I did now."

The Messenger Championship in seven days' time is next on the agenda and then a crack at the Harness Jewels at Cambridge on June 2.

Beyond that? The big dance.

"We'd love to have a decent old crack at the New Zealand Cup later this year and I think we can still take in the Jewels as well.

"Initially I wasn't that keen on going through until June because he would need a spell for a cup prep, but he's thriving at the moment.

"He's only had nine starts this season."

Perhaps the run of the race was the second place-getter, Eamon Maguire, who stormed home from last for second in the hands of new co-trainer Natalie Rasmussen.

Race favourite Star Galleria, who missed the start by a length and sat parked early on, found the line well for third ahead of Let It Ride, who faded late.

- NZ Harness News