Racing: Longshot grabs G1 victory

Jason Waddell was sporting a large Group One winning smile after combining with 39-1 shot Tavistock to score an upset victory in the $220,000 Mudgway Partsworld Stakes at Hastings yesterday.

Waddell must have wondered what his winning chances were when involved in a skirmish at the start that left his charge well off the speed.

In hindsight this may have being a blessing as there was interference to runners close to the lead at the 700m mark when Maximum Star (Darryl Bradley) and Altered Image (Michael Coleman) lost their riders.

Tavistock started a sweeping run three and four wide around the field 600m out and sprinted into a challenging position on the home turn, gradually reeling in the favourite Mufhasa for a long-neck victory.

A further length away third was Sterling Prince.

Tavistock slipped under the radar of smart punters heading into the feature - having had one run this preparation when third behind Fritzy Boy - but boasted strong 3-year-old form in Melbourne last spring.

Punters were interested in only one runner - hot favourite Mufhasa - who ran an outstanding race finishing second after being forced to race three and four wide throughout.

Regular jockey Sam Spratt had no option but to sit out three wide outside the leaders while some suicidal lead sectional times were posted.

This did contribute to Mufhasa' defeat while the tactics of some riders who elected to post the favourite out wide on the track must be questioned.

Mufhasa was beaten a long neck. However, Occidentals and the other early leaders finished 11 lengths behind.

When we came out of the gate we had a few problems and got back further than what I wanted, said Waddell.

When there was that skirmish at the 700m mark a few of the riders froze to dodge the fallen riders and that was when we made our run to improve and we had to fight real hard to get past Mufhasa.

TE TEKO trials form was an accurate assistance to punters who climbed aboard former age group star The Pooka, an impressive winner of the $30,000 Open 1400, in the hands of Mark Du Plessis.

The Pooka was a star performer as a 2 and 3-year-old for New Plymouth-based trainer John Wheeler but was well below expectations last season.

An impressive trial victory at Te Teko this month underlined a return to former winning glory and the 5-year-old delivered a narrow but impressive long-neck victory over Ben Hogan and Arlington (third).

Hastings has been an unhappy hunting ground for The Pooka who scored his first victory on the left-handed track from seven starts.

Wheeler has big plans for The Pooka this season who will be seen in action in better company of the last two days of the Hastings spring carnival.

TAUPIRI TRAINER John Morell has been extremely patient handling stable star Morelle - and was rewarded with an outstanding winning performance in a $30,000 event.

Morelle is the type of racehorse everyone wants to own - a well-built, 5-year-old son of O'Reilly - who showed plenty of heart when it mattered. He lasted well and scored a narrow, long-neck victory over Tai Chi Queen and No Cash.

Morelle went to Ruakaka last month to ready him for this assignment - when finishing second - and paraded in grand order yesterday.

The trip to Ruakaka and the opportunity to race on ideal track footing were hugely beneficial for Morelle, taking his record to four wins and three minor placings from 11 starts.

ALL HONOURS were with the highly regarded Samurai after the $35,000 Open 1600 - but mark down the name of Six O'Clock News - who recorded the run of the race when finishing second.

Samurai has fashioned an outstanding record at Hastings - six wins and two minor placings from 11 starts - and posted a half-neck victory over the fast-closing Six O'Clock News. All In Black was the same margin away in third place.

Woodville-based trainer Neil Connors has done an outstanding job with the injury-plagued 8-year-old who has eight wins and 11 placings from 31 starts.