KEY POINTS:
A return to racing on a left-handed track caught punters out when Nanjara posted an upset victory in the $100,000 Manawatu Cup at Awapuni yesterday.
Nanjara was unplaced in her last start when contesting the Avondale Cup (right-handed) earlier this month - 12th of 16 runners - five lengths behind the impressive Spin Around.
Nanjara has an imposing left-handed career record of four wins and seven minor placings from 13 starts, something which punters overlooked when assessing the field for the Group Three classic.
The 5-year-old was aided yesterday by a brilliant tactical ride from jockey Bruce Herd who had the mare over quickly from a wide draw, settling behind the pace-setting Charleston.
Herd and Nanjara pounced quickly on the leaders in the home stretch but had to fight hard to withstand the determined finishing challenge from All Square to win by a neck.
A further 1 1/4 lengths away third was the solid closing favourite Chettak, who came from well off the pace.
Nanjara has been sparingly raced by Awapuni-based trainer Lisa Latta because of persistent leg problems.
Latta has her eyes firmly focused on the (Group One) Wellington Cup at Trentham on January 26.
Another to impress was second-placed All Square who had to lump the topweight of 58kg and did well to get within a neck of the winner, who had a 4.5kg weight advantage.
Course specialist Bulginbaah returned to winning form when posting an effortless victory in the $80,000 Higgins Challenge Stakes.
The 7-year-old settled at the back of the field throughout the 1400m weight-for-age event and unleashed a blistering sprint down the outer of the track in the home stretch.
Bulginbaah scored by 1 1/4 lengths over Jurys Out. A further 1 1/2 lengths away third was Cog Hill who made ground solidly against the rail.
An eye-catching last-start performance when finishing second was a strong pointer to Bulginbaah's win prospects in the Group Three event.
Awapuni has been a happy hunting ground for Bulginbaah, four wins and a placing from eight starts.
Leading jockey Michael Walker was 99 not out at Awapuni after his return from a brief injury break.
Walker is currently on 99 wins for the season and will have to wait for Ellerslie on Boxing Day to break the 100-win barrier.
Pasta Post indicated he is peaking at the right time for the City Of Auckland Cup at Ellerslie on January 1, posting a determined victory at Te Rapa yesterday.
The 4-year-old was made to do plenty of work defeating Aquila Carrera by a short neck in the $40,000 First Sovereign Trust 2100.
