Racing: Mistrale forces husband to own up to good luck

A part-owner of a top New Zealand Herald Auckland Cup hope may have to unburden himself of a secret he's held for more than a year this week.

With six Katikati cricket buddies, the anonymous owner has a share in one of the new hotshots for glory at Ellerslie next Saturday, impressive Queen Elizabeth Handicap winner Mistrale.

The only problem is, says co-owner Lance Smith, his unnamed partner in the horse who emerged so stylishly from PQ company yesterday has so far managed to keep the news secret from his wife.

"We better just leave him out of it until he's worked out the best way to tell her," laughed Smith, who with his mates now has more than $500,000 riding on multi-bet tickets if Mistrale can land the double next Saturday.

"I don't want to get him into trouble but if he's ever going to break the news this may be the best time to do it.

"This must be what it feels like to win Lotto."

Smith and his co-owners have syndicate manager, former Auckland cricketer John Carson, to thank for their biggest thrill in racing so far.

As an Auckland regular in the 1960s Carson regularly locked horns with trainer Murray Baker, then a member of the central districts team, and the pair have been friends ever since.

Carson and his Katikati buddies first attempt at finding a cup winner started promisingly enough when the Baker-trained Poachers Prize won his first start, but fizzled soon after.

The turning point came last November after a disagreement between the horses owner, Waipukurau breeder Jo Griffin, and Mistrales previous leasee.

"Lance and I were at the Ashburton trots when Murray rang to say he had a horse for us," said Carson.

"Murray rated her and we were looking for a horse to replace Poachers Prize so we said, yes, grab her."

The Kati Syndicate, as the seven are known, have a $65,000 right of purchase arrangement with Griffin, but yesterday were unsure when to exercise it.

"When we do we'd like to include Jo in there somehow because she's been so good to us," said Carson.

Mistrale may be on the small side for a two-miler but what she lacks in size, Baker is confident she makes up for with guts.

Baker, who won his first and only Auckland Cup with Miss Stanima in 1990, says the Volksraad four-year-old reminds him a lot of his Brisbane Cup winner Prized Gem.

"I know a lot of horses can get 2400m and not 3200m, but she's out of a half-sister to Sky Chase and she seems to hit the line good.

"I think enough of her to nominate her for the Sydney Cup. She's just needed a bit of luck up until now."

Rider Andrew Calder, who was having his first ride on the mare yesterday, was impressed with her sprint inside the last 200m.

"She's only little but she's got a great turn of foot," he said.

"When the gaps tighten she's through and out of them that quick. When she let down, she just went whoosh.

"I know there were probably a few hard-luck stories behind her, but she kept running once she got clear and that's what I like about her."

Rider Allan Peard was adamant he would have won on Garrard if he hadn't been squeezed out of a gap by Waitoki Dream and Gary Grylls near the 250m.

Garrard crossed the line third behind Waitoki Dream but was later promoted to second after an inquiry.

Grylls was found guilty of careless riding and suspended for four days to begin after his last mount next Saturday.

"As far as I was concerned it was just competitive riding on my part, but I'm glad they've at least allowed me to ride him in the Cup," said Grylls.

"That wouldn't have been fair on the owners this close to the race, and he's got to be a big chance."

Peard was adamant the interference came at a crucial stage.

"There's no doubt in my mind we would have won, he was just warming up," said Peard.

While disappointed with the bad luck, co-trainer Chris Wood was thrilled with Peard's ride and is confident he's finally found a Kaapstad who can win a 3200m.

Wood tried with Kaapstad Way but the closest he got was fourth in Brew's Melbourne Cup.

"Twice we've fell into the trap of St Reims but this time we've found the key to him," said Wood.

"He doesn't want to be bustled early. He just needs to be held up a bit and then let him get home."

Favourite Zabeat weakened to fifth after looking a threat on the turn but rider Peter Johnson said to stick with the five-year-old next Saturday.

"He had a soft run at Te Rapa in his last start, this will tighten him up," said Johnson.

"He'll be amongst them in the Cup, he's a good chance."