Racing: Victory salve to loss on pitch

Kyle Mills received some pleasing news after the Black Caps' heart-breaking loss against South Africa in the second one-day international at Newlands, Cape Town last Friday.

While Mills and the team were coming to terms with a 19-run loss, Hit The Bit, a well-bred 4-year-old in which he is an owner, posted an effortless victory at Avondale yesterday.

Hit The Bit slipped into overdrive over the closing 100 metres of the Frank Ritchie 1400, scoring by two lengths over Artee Dee and Paulamaroof (third).

This was an impressive performance from Hit The Bit, fresh-up after a five-month spell, and trainer Bruce Wallace had him well forward in condition on the strength of two trial appearances.

Hit The Bit has the useful career record of two wins and three placings from eight starts.

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Lee Tiley was in outstanding riding form winning the opening three events at Avondale aboard Dansky, Waltzmydear and Simply Amazing.

Tiley did not stop there recording a further three second placings and was only denied a quartet of consecutive wins when Our Lionette lost by a 1/2 head to Quetzalcoatl.


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Consistent performer Kristov bounced back to winning form in the hands of red-hot jockey Michael Walker in the Bream Aerosol 1400.

Walker has been in devastating form and timed his challenge to perfection with Kristov as they cleared out to win by 2 1/2 lengths over Filey and Mr Robert (third).

The 6-year-old has been a model of consistency for Matamata-based trainer Phillip Stevens - 10 wins and 20 minor placings from 36 starts.

A heavy track at Matamata last start blotted a faultless formline.

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High-class 3-year-old Wahid overpowered a good-quality field of age group rivals to win the $25,000 Spring Stakes at Awapuni.

Wahid scored by a length over Tatlock and Cullemour and trainer Allan Sharrock was delighted with the winning effort.

"He carried the topweight of 56 kilograms today and got the job done impressively and he's pulled up a treat,"said Sharrock.

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Lilakyn added to her already considerable worth as a broodmare when winning the $60,000 Feilding Gold Cup (listed event).

The 5-year-old mare is a true "blue blood" in thoroughbred racing, being by Danehill out of the former New Zealand Derby winner Popsy (by Sir Tristram).

Lilakyn unwound a sustained sprint finish in the home stretch to win by three-quarters of a length over Lord Asterix and Creil.

This event was a drop in class for Lilakyn which was ninth to Xcellent in the Kelt Capital Stakes.