Joey Massino (rails) clings to the lead to win the Karaka Mile at Ellerslie yesterday. Photo / Sarah Ivey
Matamata trainer Peter McKay says he doesn't really care if he misses the Telecom New Zealand Derby at Ellerslie with Joey Massino.
Then late at night he thinks of the $2.2 million purse.
And will no doubt change his mind.
McKay has to prove to himself that yesterday's gallant winner
of the $200,000 New Zealand Bloodstock Insurance Karaka 3YO Mile at Ellerslie can handle the 2400m of the Derby.
He says his only guide to a distance potential was when Joey Massino tried 2100m of the Guineas at Ellerslie on Boxing Day, but that's no guide at all.
"He jarred up so badly that day that we had to give him painkillers to put him on the float back to Matamata."
In one of the gutsiest runs for a while, Joey Massino led and refused to yield when Martial Art and Time Keeper tried to get past.
It came just eight days after Joey Massino won the Wellington Stakes at Trentham with a similarly gutsy run.
McKay said he will give Joey Massino another 2100m race to get a line on the 2400m potential.
"He hasn't got a big body, but he's got a big heart.
"He's an average trackworker and has issues with jarring up from time to time. I believe he'll probably be better next season when he frees up in his action."
Joey Massino races in the same ownership as the inaugural Karaka Million winner Vincent Mangano - Peter and Kim McKay and Christchurch businessman Trevor Luke.
Fellow Matamata trainer Mark Walker was certain Martial Art had won with his late dash.
"I couldn't believe it when the call came through."
The result might not have been what Walker wanted, but he was encouraged by a good Derby trial.
Time Keeper proved again he is a little under-rated by clinging on to a close third.
