Racing: Salvatore too good yet again

Matt Cameron brings Salvatore home in the Eagle Technology Stakes at Ellerslie yesterday. Photo / NZPA

Sprinter-miler Salvatore continued his domination in the Auckland-Waikato area when coasting to an easy win in the $70,000 feature event at Ellerslie yesterday.

The hot favourite made it four wins on end when unleashing a blistering home stretch sprint to win the Eagle Technology-sponsored 1600m event to defeat Catalina by 3 lengths with a further nose back to Atom Cat.

The 6-year-old is currently performing way better than any race rival this season.

Jockey Matt Cameron had a dream sit close to the speed and hooked the favourite out three wide at the top of the home stretch to pounce on the leaders and assume authority.

I just think that he's mentally and physically mature and the penny has finally dropped in terms of what is required on race day, said trainer Anne Herbert after the race.

I'm just going to have to space his runs to lessen the jarring on him but he's in super form at the moment.

Matamata trainers Karen Fursdon and Gemma Sliz definitely had a spring back in their step at Ellerslie yesterday after the impressive return to winning form by Walk Away.

The 4-year-old ran a career worst performance in his last start at Tauranga when trapped three wide throughout with first time jockey Vinnie Colgan easing up on this runner a long way from the finish.

Walk Away dropped back in racing distance to 1600m yesterday and settled four back against the rail with regular rider Chad Ormsby desperately seeking clear galloping space at the top of the home stretch.

Walk Away lengthened stride impressively powering to the lead and lasting by a head over the fast closing C'mon Cuba with a further half-length back to No Fear (third).

"You would think looking at this race that 1600m is what he wants as he was on the bit all the way and just needed a run at them in the straight," said Fursdon after the race.

"We were left scratching our head after his last-start effort at Tauranga as were confident heading into the race. We could find nothing amiss with him after that performance.

"Vinnie was caught out three wide with him and thought at the 600m that he was flat so eased up on him to look after the horse.

"It was great getting Chad back on him today as he knows the horse really well and we'll be guided by what he says in terms of where we go with him for his next start."

Walk Away has been a good performer scoring four wins and eight minor placings from 17 starts and has certainly returned to racing this season a much more stronger and mature athlete.