Racing: Wet tracker cruises to win but raises Cup queries

The connections of in-form stayer Tantalic will have to make a tough decision shortly regarding a jockey for the $350,000 New Zealand Herald Auckland Cup at Ellerslie on January 1.

Palmerston North-based Robert Hannam has ridden the six-year-old gelding in his last two starts where the combination have recorded a third placing and victory.

The third was in the (Group One) $150,000 Avondale Cup on December 1.

The victory was an impressive performance when taking out the (Group Three) $60,000 Manawatu Cup at Awapuni yesterday.

Tantalic, a noted performer on wet tracks, cruised down the home stretch after powering to the front and Hannam had the confidence to tuck his whip under his right armpit well before the finishing line.

Asgoodas, Normandy Boy, Upsetthym and Bodie led the vain chase after the winner.

"It may have looked that Tantalic was cruising on the wet track but he didn't find it that easy," said Hannam.

"He was fine down the home stretch but was ducking and diving a little like most of the field were down the back straight. In my opinion he's not just a wet track horse and I would love to ride him in the Auckland Cup.

"I totally understand the situation that Allan Biddick [trainer] and the owner are in.

"Trudy Thornton has been the regular rider of this horse and I only got on board for the Avondale Cup because she was suspended.

"Since I'm based down here in Palmerston North I got the ride in the Manawatu Cup.

"They'll get back to me regarding the choice of jockey for the Auckland Cup but I'd understand if they stick with Trudy [Thornton].

"In this industry you generally can get onto horses at times at the expense of other jockeys so you learn to take these things in your stride."

The victory in the Manawatu Cup completed a hat-trick for Hannam who won the event with Paddy O'Riley (1997) and Reign Supreme (2000).