Racing: Big win guarantees Genebel Auckland Cup start

Michael Coleman has a warning for punters looking ahead to the $600,000 Auckland Cup on March 8 - don't under estimate Genebel.

The Matamata-based jockey was suitably impressed with the performance of the 5-Year-Old mare when the pair combined to post an easy victory in the $20,000 Skycity Auckland Cup Prelude at Ellerslie racecourse yesterday.

Genebel powered home down the outside of the track to score by 1 lengths over British Made and Pentempo (third).

Despite the ease of the victory Coleman is not sure if he will be able to ride the Mike Moroney and Andrew Scott-trained runner in the Skycity-sponsored Group One event in 11 days' time.

"It's great for Mike [Moroney] and Andrew [Scott] that we've qualified the mare for the Auckland Cup and she's now exempt from ballot from the race," said Coleman.

"She's going to get into the Cup with a real light weight of 51.5kg but I can't ride at that weight.

"I can get down to 52 and half and unless she gets re-handicapped at least one kilogram I can't see myself riding the mare.

"Mike is talking about possibly bringing Blake Shinn out from Melbourne to ride her if he can't find a suitable jockey.

"She's going to be a big chance in the Cup because she's an out-and-out stayer who will come into things when she steps up to 3200 metres."

Genebel paraded in magnificent order before the Auckland Cup Prelude and it was an outstanding performance considering this was her first race start in six weeks.

Genebel has been racing from the Melbourne barn of the Moroney stable where she scored four wins and five placings from 14 starts.

Meanwhile, Tadan bounced back to winning form when running her rivals into submission leading throughout to win the $20,000 Instant Finance Mile.

The 5-Year-Old Danske-sired gelding was allowed to call the shots in front and with the assistance of a two kilogram apprentice claim from Daniel Hain lasted to win by half a length over Bebekay and Authoress.

Tadan has been a useful performer for Te Awamutu trainer Robert Priscott scoring seven wins and six placings from 39 starts.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY