Racing: Upper Cut strikes late

Photo / Thinkstock

Upper Cut delivered another prestige race victory to Awapuni trainer Mark Oulaghan's record with a home track triumph in yesterday's LJ Hooker Manawatu Steeplechase.

Oulaghan has previously enjoyed success with a number of jumpers by former southern stallion Yamanin Vital, who stood at the Anderton family's White Robe Lodge, over the years.

They include the two time Grand National Steeplechase and Hurdles winner Counter Punch and Grand National and Waikato Hurdles winner Yourtheman, who also won a Hawke's Bay Steeplechase.

Oulaghan also prepared Yamanin Vital's best son Who Shot Thebarman to win the group one Auckland Cup before he placed in the Melbourne and Sydney Cups for Sydney trainer Chris Waller.

Oulaghan's conditioning skills were again highlighted by Upper Cut, who has been set for next month's Grand National Steeplechase, in his first run over the big fences since September.

"I was a bit apprehensive about the race and whether he was ready in that ground," he said. "He'll probably go to Hawke's Bay and then we'll take him down south.

"He won't go to Wellington though, I don't think he's a figure eight horse."

Upper Cut was ridden by Daniel Miller, who brought the gelding with a determined late charge after the final fence to take top honours.

"He was only just on the bridle coming round the bend and I didn't think I would pick them up, but he really dashed home," he said.

Their finish was a body blow for Mr Mor, who led over the last two flights and looked set for victory until Upper Cut wound up. The favourite Carinya finished third ahead of The Fox, who had given a great sight in front.

Meanwhile Superturf was a Group winner on the flat and the eight-year-old is now relishing his new role over fences.

The versatile gelding's jumping career went to the next level on his home track at Palmerston North on Saturday when he proved superior to his rivals in the Manawatu ITM Awapuni Hurdles.

Successful at Trentham seven days earlier, Superturf assumed his customary role toward the back of the field and finished off strongly in the closing stages.

Former Great Northern Hurdles runner-up Kings Deep turned in a solid effort in his first outing over fences since he beat all but Harvest The Gold in the 2013 Ellerslie feature, a virus having sidelined him last winter.

He was second from Thatz David, who posted his third placing in the event.

- NZ Racing Desk.