Racing: Walker stable running hot down south

Mark Walker was in hot form on racetracks throughout New Zealand yesterday winning feature events at New Plymouth and Christchurch.

The Matamata-based trainer has jumped to the top of the New Zealand Trainers Premiership courtesy of the four races he won yesterday to have 15 victories.

Shikoba and stable rider Michael Walker combined to post an effortless victory in the $30,000 New Zealand Bloodstock Canterbury Belle Stakes at Riccarton Park.

The 3-year-old filly scored by 1 1/2 lengths over Mystical, with a further half length back to Smitten Kitten.

"Shikoba is quite a fragile filly so she'll stay down in Christchurch until after the 1000 Guineas which is held during New Zealand Cup week," said Walker. "She won her debut down at Riccarton earlier this month and she's quite a talented filly.

"I also won the opening event there with Triffiq, who is another smart type of 3-year-old filly."

Arlingtonboulevard, in the hands of Noel Harris, produced a blistering sprint down the outer of the track at New Plymouth to win the $45,000 (Listed) Mason Appliances 4-Year-Old feature.

The well-bred Spinning World-sired mare lengthened stride under a confident ride by Harris to win by 3 1/4 lengths over Mikki Street, with a further head back to Rosetti Bay.

"It was a good performance from Arlingtonboulevard, because she carried the topweight of 57 kilograms and we'll see how she pulls up after this race before planning where we head to next with her."

The Walker-Harris combination struck earlier in the day when the well-bred Parsimanwin scored by 4 1/2lengths over Mirkola Lass and All In Trouble.

The 3-year-old Woodman-sired gelding recorded a pleasing debut performance when finishing third at Taupo and won with a great deal of ease yesterday.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY