Avondale Jockey Club committeeman Ron Murphy had every reason to be sporting a large smile.
The Murphy-owned six-year-old gelding Single Sun produced a slick home stretch sprint to take out the $20,000 Sheriff Handicap at Avondale yesterday.
Single Sun was patiently ridden by Sara-Lee Kelly and lengthened stride impressively down the outer in the home stretch to win by three-quarters of a length over Double Ar Be with a further nose back to Be Famous (third).
Single Sun has been a handy performer for Murphy and Avondale-based trainer Davina Waddell, scoring six wins and 11 minor placings from 41 starts and is closing rapidly on $100,000 in career earnings.
He was given a dream sit behind, then outside the leader, and strode to the front at the top of the home stretch fighting off all challengers.
The 1400 metres was cut out in a slick 1.22.36, an impressive time from this class of horse.
Waddell struck again later in the day when Shinko Prince coasted to an effortless 3 1/4 lengths victory over Patrol and Just Jeff.
The four-year-old settled back in the field for jockey Thomas Russell before sprinting forward three wide on the home turn to pounce on the leading division.
Shinko Prince has scored four wins and four minor placings from 17 starts and has looked particularly impressive recently scoring back-to-back wins.
Te Kauwhata-based trainer Tony Cole was also in good form, winning back-to-back races with Accelerant and Avegas.
Accelerant enjoyed an on the pace sit in the hands of Reese Jones and swept to the front over the closing 100 metres to win by a length over Senorita Rosay and Arecibo (third).
The 5-year-old Bigstone-sired gelding has scored three wins and six minor placings from 18 starts.
Avegas waged a stride-for-stride battle with Komplete Klass, getting the victory by a nose with 2 3/4 lengths back to Benny Biggs (third).
Racing: Committee man has good reason to smile
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