Racing: Phones hot chasing Cup fancy

Australian bookmakers were quickly on the phone to New Zealand after the first-up run by Melbourne Cup fancy Zarius at Ruakaka yesterday.

Over a way-too-short 1400m, Zarius stormed home late to finish fifth, 3.1 lengths from impressive winner Star Of Rio.

"Yes, that mildly surprised me," said a delighted trainer Mark Walker.

"I thought that if it had been 1600m he would have been in it."

Australian bookies have fielded a lot of money on Zarius to win the Melbourne Cup.

"I'll give you Kiwis one thing," said Domebet book manager Brian Taylor, "you're solid on your own horses.

"Every time we pick up a phone call from New Zealand it's to back Pentane or Zarius in the Melbourne Cup."

Weight of money has brought Pentane in from $34 to $16 for the Cup and Zarius from $51 to $41.

Zarius will start next in a 2000m race at Hastings on Stoney Bridge Stakes day as he counts down to his departure for Melbourne.

Mandela and Ring Of Fire indicated they were in for huge spring and summer campaigns.

Locally trained Ring Of Fire was having his first start for two months after a success in Australia.

He loomed into the race at the 200m and was beaten threequarters of a length and threequarters of a length by two fitter horses.

The firm track suited Star Of Rio, who provided trainer Stephen McKee with his first winning treble since taking out a solo licence.

The favourite Maroofity, a stablemate of Zarius, looked likely to figure at the 250m, but faded and finished sixth, 3.5 lengths from the winner.

Mark Walker had to admit to a touch of disappointment.

"I have to remind myself he's won three group ones - not many horses do that.

"It's back to the drawing board."

The Ruakaka programme opened with a performance that is likely to be repeated through the spring.

Magic Tryst provided trainer Craig Ritchie with his first winner since going out on his own and punters with a wonderful sight.

The very talented filly travelled easily under Grant Cooksley to the home bend and was not asked for her best to cruise to the finish by a wide margin.

Magic Tryst looked the goods when she won a barrier trial by 12 lengths at Avondale in the autumn.

She started one of the favourites for the $30,000 New Zealand Bloodstock 2YO Fillies Stakes at Te Rapa, but was brought undone by a slow track.

Cooksley confirmed the filly's ability after the race with the advice to never again start her on anything but a firm surface.