Racing: Trainer at loss over failure of Cup favourite

New Zealand Herald Auckland Cup favourite Garrard failed to fire in the Group One feature at Ellerslie yesterday, battling into eighth place.

Garrard was given a dream sit by jockey Allan Peard close to the pace and only battled in the home stretch.

Senior co-trainer Chris Wood was at a loss to explain the disappointing performance recorded by the favourite.

"I can't fault the ride because Allan [Peard] gave him every opportunity close to the pace and he didn't cover any extra ground," said Wood. "I really can't put my finger on what went wrong today as he was fit and ready to run a big race over 3200 metres but he couldn't when he needed to.

"I think it was a combination of factors because the track surface was pretty shifty today and the race was run at a crazy tempo.

"There was no pace on in front and the race really developed into a sprint home over the closing 800 metres and we had no chance.

"I'll take him home now and throw him out into a paddock and then I'll sit down and discuss our future racing plans with the owners.

"I'd really like to take this horse to Melbourne for a brief campaign this year to give him the experience of racing away from our home base in Cambridge.

Wood considered that an early trip away could prove beneficial.

"In Melbourne in the spring he could chase a number of the Cup races on offer.

"He has come a long way this season racing in the Counties, Waikato and Auckland Cups and I think next season will be when you see the best of this horse."

- HERALD ON SUNDAY