Racing: Mare makes amends

The last-start failure of Stereo is still a mystery to Takanini trainers Trevor and Stephen McKee.

The four-year-old Anziyan-sired mare made amends for that disappointing performance with a determined front running victory at Ellerslie yesterday in the hands of Lee Rutherford.

Stereo charged straight to the front and fought on gallantly in the home stretch to win by three-quarters of a length over Free Sea and Darley Ball Park (third).

"I'm not sure what happened to Stereo here at Ellerslie on December 28 as she had trained well leading into the race but she was awful," said co-trainer Stephen McKee. "We think that she got her tongue over the bit because she didn't fire a shot but today was a different story as she strode straight to the front and she fought on well.

"It's a big buzz for the owners winning a race on Auckland Cup Day and now she has to make the next step up to progressive class. She's honest and I think she'll win a few more races with us."

- HERALD ON SUNDAY