Racing: It's lonely when daylight is second

Andrew Calder was feeling lonely at the finish of the feature event at Te Rapa yesterday - not because he has few friends as a professional jockey - but there was literally nobody beside him.

Calder teamed up with the Jakki Good-trained Amirar in the $70,000 Open 2000m event and had 16 lengths to spare over the second placed Rare Fox.

A further 2 lengths away in third was Waitui Music.

It is highly doubtful Calder has had an easier winning ride in his career. Te Rapa certainly has been a favourite track for the 4-year-old mare scoring two wins and two minor placings from seven starts.

* * *

She Rules will head to the spelling paddock in winning form after an easy victory in the hands of Michael Coleman.

The well-bred daughter of Commands has had a promising career ruined by injury but showed her class on a heavy track, scoring a length victory over Dashing Donna and Pinzee (third).

Cambridge trainer Brett McDonald was full of admiration for the 4-year-old.

She's shown plenty of heart to come back from the serious injuries she's had to overcome. She'll now head to the spelling paddock and we'll bring her back in the spring for a good race, said McDonald.

Te Rapa has been a happy hunting ground for She Rules - three wins from four starts - and she won with plenty in hand yesterday.

* * *

Opie Bosson got punters off to a great day at Te Rapa, guiding the hot favourite Dating home for an impressive victory.

The 2-year-old daughter of O'Reilly had a length to spare at the finish over Sworn To Secrecy with a further 3 lengths over Lady Kipling (third).

Graeme and Debbie Rogerson have given the filly plenty of time to mature in her debut season, this win capping a second and fourth placing.

* * *

Magic Briar left no excuses for her age group rivals scoring an easy three length victory in the hands of Alvin Ng.

The daughter of Thorn Park caught the eye with an impressive debut performance finishing third and showed an impressive turn of foot in heavy track conditions defeating Mackadoo and El Menear (third).

* * *

Samantha Collett was given all the credit for the determined victory by Winning Genes.

Matamata-based trainer Glenn Old was quick to acknowledge Collett's fine judgment.

"I think Sam did the right thing here as the horse over raced in behind when the pace slackened off so we went forward and led. That was smart."