One of Michael Walker's greatest attributes as a rider was to the fore when Smiling Like won the $160,000 New Zealand Cup.
Smiling Like was sent out the favourite for the group two race on Saturday but the pressure of that situation did not fluster Walker as he bided his time at the back of the field for much of the 3200m journey.
With 600m to run Smiling Like was near-last as other horses made their moves but Walker was content to tag on behind them.
He followed the little-fancied Lazy Loot forward and when Smiling Like got the better of that horse he went through on his inside to track onto the second favourite Count Cristo.
Count Cristo was also making a forward move and he had surged to the front 300m from the finish. But soon after Smiling Like easily claimed him and drew clear for the easiest of wins by 5 1/2 lengths.
Smiling Like's trainer Keith Hawtin said Walker's patience was a key to his success and was well suited to Smiling Like.
"He's cool, calm and collected, and that's what you saw today," Hawtin said.
Walker said Smiling Like was not a horse that could be bustled early to take up a handy position.
"She's not a horse you can ride up there," Walker said.
"You have to ride her cold, pick a path through them and once she gets into the open she always gets to the line good."
Walker recently had a short stint in Singapore where he rode for former New Zealand trainer Paddy Busuttin.
Busuttin, who was at the meeting, said he had asked Walker's employer, New Plymouth trainer Allan Sharrock, about his riding longer term in Singapore.
"I spoke to Allan and we agreed he probably wasn't quite ready for it," Busuttin said. "Maybe in another year or two."
Count Cristo easily held second, with 5 3/4 lengths to the third-placed Java Siang, the third favourite.
- NZPA
Racing: Youngster cool calm, collects
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