THE GR.3 LJ HOOKER MANAWATU CUP (2300M)(courtesy of NZTM)
High Octane adds 2nd Gr.3 The game Towkay gelding High Octane (NZ) added a second Gr.3 accolade to the resume on Saturday. Previously successful in the 2007 Gr.3 Tauranga Stakes (1600m), High Octane (NZ) made his welcome return to the stakes spotlight in Awapuni's Gr.3 LJ Hooker Manawatu Cup (2300m).
Pressed forward by Lisa Allpress after a tardy start, High Octane (NZ) sat parked outside the leader for much of the race and when set alight in the straight, dropped rivals by some 2 lengths.
By the post, the cream of the opposition had rallied, but it would be too little too late.
Clocking 2:19.6 for the 2300m feature, High Octane (NZ) finished with long head to spare from the fast finishing Manonamission (NZ) (Kilimanjaro) and with 0.6 of a length to spare from Bakup (NZ) (Kilimanjaro).
Trained by part-owner by Gregor Robson, High Octane (NZ) has rewarded his connections - which include Irenee Stewart and Donna Robson, with 9 wins and $228,260 in earnings.
Previously seen at his best over a mile, High Octane (NZ) is tipped to have his next start in the Gr.1 Zabeel Classic (WFA, 2000m) this Saturday and further down the line could show his new found staying talent in the Gr.2 Wellington Cup (3200m) on January 30.
Bred by Ric & Robyn Wylie of Matamata, the son of Towkay and the Prince True mare Trendy and True was originally offered for sale via the Bloomsbury Stud consignment at the 2003 National Weanling Sale. The successful purchaser would be Lawrence Fleming, who signed the dotted line for $9500.
