Racing: Atapi's classy performance bodes well for Trentham

Richard Otto was enjoying a day out at the Gold Coast races in Brisbane yesterday, as well as keeping in touch with the performances of stable runners competing in New Zealand.

The Te Awamutu-based trainer was in Brisbane to attend the Gold Coast yearling sales and as yesterday's session was to be held in the evening, he decided to watch the Magic Millions raceday action.

Stable runner Atapi clinched a starting berth in the $150,000 Thorndon Mile on January 28 with a powerful home-stretch sprint to win the $25,000 Winning Begins at Karaka 2006 Mile at Ellerslie yesterday.

The well-bred 4-year-old son of Last Tycoon was settled back off the pace by jockey Grant Cooksley and lengthened stride effortlessly in the home stretch to reel in the leaders.

Atapi held on and scored by a long head from the solid-finishing Orpington, with a further 1 1/4 lengths back to Dubai Traveller.

"Atapi raced as well as I expected him to, because his work leading into the race was very encouraging," said Otto.

"The win has clinched him a starting spot in the Thorndon and I expect it will strip him down a pretty fit horse for his next start.

"I thought his last-start effort in the Rich Hill Mile was pretty impressive after a few things went against us.

"We're pretty keen on having Grant Cooksley ride him in the Thorndon and the indications are that he wants to.

"I spoke to my staff immediately after the race and the horse has pulled up a treat."

Otto was also impressed with the vastly improved performance recorded by stablemate Penitentiary, who ran on well late out wide to finish fourth behind Kristov in the feature event at Awapuni.

The event was won by the wonderfully consistent Kristov, who lumped 59.5kg to score by half a head over Hurrah and O'Borio.

"Penitentiary was doing his best work at the finish of the race and it was a good pointer to him running out a strong mile in his next start.

"The plan is to start Penitentiary and Atapi in the Thorndon.

"I think the big roomy track at Trentham will suit both horses."

Another stable to strike winning form at Ellerslie was the Matamata-based partnership of Mike Moroney and Andrew Scott.

After a particularly quiet Christmas racing period by their high standards, the stable produced Pineau and Sweet Caroline to win.

Both runners were ridden by stable jockey Michael Coleman who later in the day completed a winning hat-trick when he guided Medit King to a well-earned victory.

Pineau unleashed a blistering home stretch sprint to score an impressive half length victory over Kincert and Snip in the opening event. Sweet Caroline scored a determined half-length victory over Faltaat Gold and Le Gold Rays.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY