Addington Race 12

IRT NEW ZEALAND TROTTING CUP (STAND PACE)

Stake: $1,000,000

Aussie champ LEAP TO FAME (6) shrugged off a couple of rare defeats to find winning form at Melton before crossing the Tasman. Has travelled successfully to New Zealand before, winning The Race at Cambridge in May and is proven at the standing start. Draws to push forward, pour on the pressure and make this a test of toughness. That should see him hard to beat. REPUBLICAN PARTY (5) has been the dominant force in the local lead ups, making it three straight with his last start Ashburton Flying Stakes win. Faces a couple of top Aussie raiders this time but placed in this last year and got very close to LEAP TO FAME when they clashed in the Hunter Cup in February. KINGMAN (12) showed how far he's come by beating Leap To Fame in the Victoria Cup, his fifth win in seven starts for McCarthy. A trip across the Tasman, a standing start and a rise in distance are all new challenges but he is the one on the up. MERLIN (3) has found winning from at the right time and draws to get his chance.

Distance: 3200m
Class: FFA PACE
Track: Good
Weather: -
Surface: All Weather

Rakero Rocket (Fr1) x7100
Trainer: Tom Bamford (Rangiora)
Driver: Gavin Smith
Prize Money: $296,598
Win / Place: 32% / 53%

Track Specialist

5 yo Brown Gelding

Sire: Rock N Roll Heaven

Dam: Motu Pocket O'Jewels

Dam's Sire: In The Pocket

Owners: R J Dawe, K A Dawe, Est R J Dawe

Stats

Career

28: 9-4-2

Track

12: 5-0-0

Mobile

17: 7-3-1

Standing

11: 2-1-1

All-Weather

25: 7-0-0

Slushy

1: 0-0-0

Grass

3: 2-0-0

Left Handed

25: 9-5

Right Handed

3: 0-1

Best Mile

1:53.70

Gear Changes

[Removable Deafeners]

Comments

Manners let him down at Kaikoura & barrier #1 not ideal for him. Stretched.

Expected Settling Position: Pace

Last Starts days since last start

Place	Date	Track	Distance	Start	Surface	Barrier	Driver	Race Time	Mile Rate	Margin	SP	Days	Class	Prize	Prize Won	Result	Race Review
11th of 11	3/11/25	Kaikoura	2400m	Standing	All Weather	Fr9	Gavin Smith	1:57.2	1:57.2	122.01L	$21	17	FFA PACE	$98,250	$1,750	1. Merlin 2. Akuta 3. Mo'unga	Brk badly start,distancd afterwards
10th of 15	17/10/25	NZ Metro	2600m	Standing	All Weather	Fr11	Gavin Smith	1:58.9	1:58.9	8.22L	$35	12	FFA PACE	$63,150	$1,050	1. Republican Party 2. Don't Stop Dreaming 3. Alta Meteor	5-7bk inr,5bk 700,off 350,steady
1st of 8	5/10/25	Methven	3000m	Standing	Grass	10m3	Gavin Smith	4:25.5	2:22.3	0.48L	$10	16	R65 & faster DiscrHcp PACE	$37,200	$22,000	1. Rakero Rocket 2. Wag Star 3. Who's Delight	Made ld,trld 2700,thru,did best inr
7th of 12	19/9/25	NZ Metro	2600m	Standing	All Weather	30m2	Gavin Smith	2:02.9	2:02.9	3.72L	$8.00	133	3YO+ R55 & faster DiscrHcp PACE	$20,000	$350	1. Arthur Shelby 2. Rubira 3. American Me	9th,5bk otr,wd rear tn,useful wd
133 Day Spell
2nd of 6	26/8/25	N Cnty TOA	2600m	Standing		-	Gavin Smith	-	-	0L	$0.00	-	Trial	$0	-	1. Renegade 2. Rakero Rocket 3.	-
5th of 11	20/8/25	N Cnty TOA	2600m	Standing		-	Gavin Smith	-	-	0L	$0.00	-	Trial	$0	-	1. Arthur Shelby 2. 3.	-

Lakelsa (Fr2) 36193
Trainer: Regan Todd (Yaldhurst)
Driver: John Dunn
Prize Money: $180,585
Win / Place: 30% / 65%

Track Specialist

5 yo Bay Mare

Sire: Captaintreacherous

Dam: Oh Tara

Dam's Sire: Real Desire

Owners: B H Sinclair, A D Sinclair

Stats

Career

23: 7-3-5

Track

17: 6-0-0

Mobile

22: 7-3-5

Standing

1: 0-0-0

All-Weather

23: 7-0-0

Slushy

1: 0-0-0

Left Handed

23: 7-8

Best Mile

1:55.40

Gear Changes

[Removable Deafeners]

Comments

Good mare, but has mixed her runs a little. Relying on scratchings for a start.

Expected Settling Position: Backmarker

Last Starts days since last start

Place	Date	Track	Distance	Start	Surface	Barrier	Driver	Race Time	Mile Rate	Margin	SP	Days	Class	Prize	Prize Won	Result	Race Review
3rd of 7	5/11/25	NZ Metro	1980m	Mobile		-	Robbie Close	2:30.00	-	0.74L	$0.00	-	Trial	$0	-	1. Captains Mistress 2. Chase A Dream 3. Lakelsa	-
3rd of 11	27/10/25	Ashburton	1700m	Mobile	All Weather	Sr10	Robbie Close	1:54.3	1:54.3	1.49L	$8.00	17	4YO+ Mares MOB. PACE	$58,950	$5,400	1. Francent 2. Ruby Roe 3. Lakelsa	Trld-3bk inr,waitd,lackd gaps inr
9th of 12	10/10/25	NZ Metro	1980m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr4	Robbie Close	1:56.7	1:56.7	6.28L	$2.60	14	4YO+ Mares MOB. PACE	$60,000	$1,050	1. Francent 2. Ruby Roe 3. Mantra Blue	Gate spd,ld 1750,joined tn,weakened
1st of 12	26/9/25	NZ Metro	1980m	Mobile	All Weather	Sr11	Robbie Close	2:23.1	1:56.2	0.89L	$9.70	14	4YO+ Mares MOB. PACE	$30,000	$16,500	1. Lakelsa 2. Ruby Roe 3. Seaside Rose	4bk otr,1x1,loomd 500,powerful
6th of 8	12/9/25	NZ Metro	1980m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr7	Robbie Close	1:56.9	1:56.9	4.61L	$1.90	14	4YO+ Mares Up to & including R80 MOB. PACE	$23,250	$438	1. Dynasty 2. Treacherous Baby 3. Classie Linc	Gate spd,ld,askd tn,no kick str
3rd of 10	29/8/25	NZ Metro	1980m	Mobile	All Weather	Sr10	Robbie Close	1:57.0	1:57.0	1.60L	$1.80	12	4YO+ Mares Up to & including R80 MOB. PACE	$17,370	$1,710	1. Always B You 2. Classie Linc 3. Lakelsa	5bk inr,off rear tn,held up,strong

Merlin (Fr3) x3251
Trainer: Barry Purdon & Scott Phelan (Clevedon)
Driver: Zachary Butcher
Prize Money: $1,623,510
Win / Place: 50% / 84%

Track Specialist

5 yo Bay Horse

Sire: Art Major

Dam: Imaginary Bet

Dam's Sire: Bettor's Delight

Owners: Montana Park Pty Ltd

Stats

Career

44: 22-8-7

Distance

2: 0-0-0

Track

11: 4-0-0

Mobile

35: 19-5-6

Standing

9: 3-3-1

All-Weather

39: 21-0-0

Left Handed

21: 11-7

Right Handed

18: 10-6

Best Mile

1:52.10

Gear Changes

[Removable Deafeners]

Comments

Looked back to his best with Kaikoura Cup win. Gets a draw to suit. Has claims.

Expected Settling Position: Off Pace

Last Starts days since last start

Place	Date	Track	Distance	Start	Surface	Barrier	Driver	Race Time	Mile Rate	Margin	SP	Days	Class	Prize	Prize Won	Result	Race Review
1st of 11	3/11/25	Kaikoura	2400m	Standing	All Weather	Fr6	Zachary Butcher	2:54.8	1:57.2	0.59L	$2.90	17	FFA PACE	$98,250	$55,000	1. Merlin 2. Akuta 3. Mo'unga	4bk otr,3wd,prkd 600,fght,toughest
5th of 15	17/10/25	NZ Metro	2600m	Standing	All Weather	Fr7	Zachary Butcher	1:58.9	1:58.9	4.31L	$4.40	14	FFA PACE	$63,150	$1,800	1. Republican Party 2. Don't Stop Dreaming 3. Alta Meteor	3-5bk otr,6bk 700,angld,tidy,peakd
2nd of 8	3/10/25	Auckland	2700m	Standing	All Weather	20m1	Zachary Butcher	1:59.6	1:59.6	0.48L	$1.90	14	DiscrHcp PACE	$37,200	$6,200	1. Sooner The Bettor 2. Merlin 3. Better Knuckle Up	Rear otr,swept to ld 1300,reeled in
3rd of 10	19/9/25	Auckland	2200m	Standing	All Weather	20m1	Zachary Butcher	2:01.1	2:01.1	2.60L	$2.30	161	R60 & faster DiscrHcp PACE	$38,600	$3,800	1. Sooner The Bettor 2. The Surfer 3. Merlin	6th otr,1x1 1550,wd 350,bold effort
161 Day Spell
4th of 8	11/4/25	Auckland	1609m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr8	Zachary Butcher	1:51.6	1:51.6	4.01L	$2.60	7	FFA MOB. PACE	$93,000	$5,250	1. We Walk By Faith 2. Republican Party 3. Rakero Rocket	Eased,rear,3-bk inr,off,blkd,fin on
3rd of 10	4/4/25	WaikBoP	2200m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr7	Zachary Butcher	1:52.3	1:52.3	4.31L	$12	7	FFA MOB. PACE	$1,000,000	$100,000	1. Leap To Fame 2. Chase A Dream 3. Merlin	Wd cvr,prkd,cvr 1200,3rd,stout mrks

Pinseeker (Fr4) 2p204
Trainer: Jonny Cox (Leeston)
Driver: Jonny Cox
Prize Money: $226,920
Win / Place: 22% / 67%

5 yo Bay Gelding

Sire: Downbytheseaside

Dam: Nicky's Power

Dam's Sire: Falcon Seelster

Owners: I S Wilson, P S Brinsdon, J M Wood, B J Mckone Onzm, P C Stephens, L W Boersma, G W May

Stats

Career

31: 7-4-10

Distance

2: 0-0-0

Track

9: 2-0-0

Mobile

11: 2-1-5

Standing

20: 5-3-5

All-Weather

23: 4-0-0

Slushy

1: 0-0-0

Grass

5: 2-0-0

Left Handed

28: 6-13

Best Mile

1:51.90

Gear Changes

Removable Deafeners ON, Fixed Deafeners OFF [Removable Deafeners, Pacifier]

Comments

Unlucky here 17 Oct but worked into this field with Ashburton 4th. First4s hope.

Expected Settling Position: Pace

Last Starts days since last start

Place	Date	Track	Distance	Start	Surface	Barrier	Driver	Race Time	Mile Rate	Margin	SP	Days	Class	Prize	Prize Won	Result	Race Review
4th of 11	27/10/25	Ashburton	2400m	Standing	All Weather	Fr10	Jonny Cox	1:57.3	1:57.3	4.61L	$14	10	FFA PACE	$58,950	$3,150	1. Republican Party 2. Alta Meteor 3. Akuta	6th,3bk otr-1x1,off,tried hard mid
11th of 15	17/10/25	NZ Metro	2600m	Standing	All Weather	Fr16	Jonny Cox	1:58.9	1:58.9	8.51L	$15	7	FFA PACE	$63,150	$1,050	1. Republican Party 2. Don't Stop Dreaming 3. Alta Meteor	8bk otr,7bk inr 700,off,held up str
2nd of 7	10/10/25	NZ Metro	2600m	Standing	All Weather	Fr3	Jonny Cox	1:58.4	1:58.4	1.49L	$4.20	90	4YO+ R75 & faster DiscrHcp PACE	$22,813	$3,875	1. Republican Party 2. Pinseeker 3. Smoke On The Water	2-4th,4bk inr,held up,slashing inr
90 Day Spell
2nd of 6	30/9/25	Ashburton	2400m	Standing		-	Jonny Cox	3:06.00	-	1.49L	$0.00	-	Trial	$0	-	1. Double Jeopardy 2. Pinseeker 3. Sinai Sermon	-
6th of 9	23/9/25	M Cant TOA	2400m	Standing		-	Jonny Cox	3:07.00	-	0L	$0.00	-	Trial	$0	-	1. Sweet Raine 2. Double Jeopardy 3. Nasana	-
- of 11	12/7/25	Albion Park	2680m	Mobile	All Weather	Sr4	J W Cox	3:09.40	1:53.7	36.80L	$41	7	No NR	$45,600	$1,368	1. Leap To Fame 2. Nyack 3. Kanena Provlima	-

Republican Party (Fr5) x5111
Trainer: Cran & Chrissie Dalgety (West Melton)
Driver: Carter Dalgety (J)
Prize Money: $961,984
Win / Place: 40% / 62%

Track Specialist

Picket Fence

6 yo Bay Horse

Sire: Bettor's Delight

Dam: Democrat Party

Dam's Sire: American Ideal

Owners: Mrs C M Dalgety, G E Dickey, Mrs J E Rooney, G A Ayers, First Term Syndicate, D A Schollum, K J Cummings, B A Smith, G P Merlo, A & M Syndicate

Stats

Career

59: 24-6-7

Distance

4: 1-0-0

Track

26: 11-0-0

Mobile

38: 15-4-5

Standing

21: 9-2-2

All-Weather

53: 23-0-0

Slushy

3: 1-0-0

Left Handed

42: 20-9

Right Handed

11: 3-2

Best Mile

1:52.40

Gear Changes

[Removable Deafeners, Blinds]

Comments

Proved to be the best of the Kiwis this spring. Drawn inside main threat. Chance

Expected Settling Position: Midfield

Last Starts days since last start

Place	Date	Track	Distance	Start	Surface	Barrier	Driver	Race Time	Mile Rate	Margin	SP	Days	Class	Prize	Prize Won	Result	Race Review
1st of 11	27/10/25	Ashburton	2400m	Standing	All Weather	Fr7	Carter Dalgety	2:55.1	1:57.3	1.78L	$2.10	10	FFA PACE	$58,950	$33,000	1. Republican Party 2. Alta Meteor 3. Akuta	5th,prkd,ld 1400,too many guns
1st of 15	17/10/25	NZ Metro	2600m	Standing	All Weather	Fr13	Carter Dalgety	3:12.2	1:58.9	3.09L	$4.40	7	FFA PACE	$63,150	$33,000	1. Republican Party 2. Don't Stop Dreaming 3. Alta Meteor	4bk otr,3wd,ld 1500,kicked,stylish
1st of 7	10/10/25	NZ Metro	2600m	Standing	All Weather	25m1	Carter Dalgety	3:11.4	1:58.4	1.49L	$3.50	14	4YO+ R75 & faster DiscrHcp PACE	$22,813	$13,750	1. Republican Party 2. Pinseeker 3. Smoke On The Water	6th,sent fwd,ld 1600,kickd,held thm
5th of 10	26/9/25	NZ Metro	2600m	Standing	All Weather	20m2	Carter Dalgety	1:58.5	1:58.5	1.60L	$7.40	147	3YO+ R70 & faster DiscrHcp PACE	$21,713	$394	1. We Walk By Faith 2. Renegade 3. Alta Meteor	8th,prkd 2100-tn,gritty bid,peakd
147 Day Spell
3rd of 4	10/9/25	N Cnty TOA	2600m	Standing		-	Carter Dalgety	3:19.90	-	1.02L	$0.00	-	Trial	$0	-	1. Sideshow Bruce 2. Hadron Collider 3. Republican Party	-
2nd of 9	3/9/25	N Cnty TOA	2600m	Standing		-	Carter Dalgety	-	-	0L	$0.00	-	Trial	$0	-	1. The Lazarus Effect 2. Republican Party 3.	-

Leap To Fame (Fr6) 11231
Trainer: Grant Dixon (Queensland)
Driver: Grant Dixon
Prize Money: $5,026,386
Win / Place: 79% / 97%

6 yo Bay Horse

Sire: Bettor's Delight

Dam: Lettucereason

Dam's Sire: Art Major

Owners: Solid Earth Pty Ltd.

Stats

Career

73: 58-10-3

Distance

1: 1-0-0

Mobile

71: 56-10-3

Standing

2: 2-0-0

All-Weather

1: 1-0-0

Left Handed

1: 1-0

Best Mile

1:48.30

Gear Changes

[Removable Deafeners, Blinds]

Comments

Generational talent on his Addington debut. Will make this very hard for others.

Expected Settling Position: Leader

Last Starts days since last start

Place	Date	Track	Distance	Start	Surface	Barrier	Driver	Race Time	Mile Rate	Margin	SP	Days	Class	Prize	Prize Won	Result	Race Review
1st of 6	25/10/25	Melton	2240m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr6	Grant Dixon	2:36.70	1:52.6	3.49L	$1.12f	7	No NR	$25,650	$14,621	1. Leap To Fame 2. Bulletproof Boy 3. Catch A Wave	-
3rd of 12	18/10/25	Melton	2240m	Mobile	All Weather	Sr1	Grant Dixon	2:36.20	1:52.2	2.49L	$1.70f	7	No NR	$285,000	$28,500	1. Kingman 2. Hi Manameisjeff 3. Leap To Fame	-
2nd of 8	11/10/25	Melton	1720m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr5	Grant Dixon	1:58.80	1:51.1	0.04L	$1.06f	7	No NR	$34,200	$5,130	1. Bulletproof Boy 2. Leap To Fame 3. Miki Pins	-
1st of 6	4/10/25	Albion Park	2138m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr6	Grant Dixon	2:31.40	1:53.9	2.42L	$1.04f	77	No NR	$24,373	$13,823	1. Leap To Fame 2. Aroda 3. Free Thinker	-
77 Day Spell
1st of 12	19/7/25	Albion Park	3157m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr1	Grant Dixon	3:51.00	1:57.7	2.68L	$1.22f	7	No NR	$1,140,000	$615,600	1. Leap To Fame 2. Speak The Truth 3. Cya Art	-
1st of 11	12/7/25	Albion Park	2680m	Mobile	All Weather	Sr1	Grant Dixon	3:09.40	1:53.7	3.75L	$1.65f	7	No NR	$45,600	$22,800	1. Leap To Fame 2. Nyack 3. Kanena Provlima	-

Vessem (Fr7) 1x549
Trainer: Hayden & Amanda Cullen (Rolleston)
Driver: Olivia Thornley
Prize Money: $262,718
Win / Place: 30% / 51%

Track Specialist

4 yo Bay Gelding

Sire: Vincent(AUS)

Dam: Imke B

Dam's Sire: Bettor's Delight

Owners: Mrs H Van Opzeeland, S W R Gillan, Mrs P P Gillan, P I Baken, J H Grainger, Mrs J A Grainger, Kirkwood Family Racing Syndicate

Stats

Career

33: 10-6-1

Track

21: 8-0-0

Mobile

26: 10-5-0

Standing

7: 0-1-1

All-Weather

31: 10-0-0

Slushy

2: 2-0-0

Grass

2: 0-0-0

Left Handed

29: 10-7

Right Handed

4: 0-0

Best Mile

1:55.23

Gear Changes

[Removable Deafeners, Blinds]

Comments

Midfield in first two starts back & didn't emerge at Kaikoura. Looking for luck.

Expected Settling Position: Midfield

Last Starts days since last start

Place	Date	Track	Distance	Start	Surface	Barrier	Driver	Race Time	Mile Rate	Margin	SP	Days	Class	Prize	Prize Won	Result	Race Review
9th of 11	3/11/25	Kaikoura	2400m	Standing	All Weather	Fr10	Olivia Thornley	1:57.2	1:57.2	13.01L	$34	17	FFA PACE	$98,250	$1,750	1. Merlin 2. Akuta 3. Mo'unga	9th,5bk otr,wd rear tn,bt slows wd
4th of 15	17/10/25	NZ Metro	2600m	Standing	All Weather	Fr3	Samantha Ottley	1:58.9	1:58.9	4.20L	$64	7	FFA PACE	$63,150	$3,150	1. Republican Party 2. Don't Stop Dreaming 3. Alta Meteor	3-5bk inr,4-3bk,imprvd up inr
5th of 7	10/10/25	NZ Metro	2600m	Standing	All Weather	10m2	Olivia Thornley	1:58.4	1:58.4	3.49L	$29	154	4YO+ R75 & faster DiscrHcp PACE	$22,813	$438	1. Republican Party 2. Pinseeker 3. Smoke On The Water	4-5th,1x1 1000,off,tried hard wd
154 Day Spell
2nd of 4	2/10/25	N Cnty TOA	2000m	Mobile		-	Olivia Thornley	2:30.20	-	0.19L	$0.00	-	Trial	$0	-	1. Jumal 2. Vessem 3. Chase A Dream	-
5th of 9	3/9/25	N Cnty TOA	2600m	Standing		-	Olivia Thornley	-	-	0L	$0.00	-	Trial	$0	-	1. The Lazarus Effect 2. 3.	-
6th of 6	20/8/25	N Cnty TOA	2000m	Mobile		-	Olivia Thornley	-	-	0L	$0.00	-	Trial	$0	-	1. We Walk By Faith 2. 3.	-

Sooner The Bettor (Fr8) 11104
Trainer: Barry Purdon & Scott Phelan (Clevedon)
Driver: Scott Phelan
Prize Money: $649,565
Win / Place: 20% / 65%

5 yo Brown Horse

Sire: Bettor's Delight

Dam: Lucky Pocket

Dam's Sire: In The Pocket

Owners: Mrs K J Purdon, Montana Park Pty Ltd, R Cole, Mrs C Nausbaum, Mrs M Mckay, D J Tonks, B K Parker

Stats

Career

49: 10-15-7

Distance

1: 0-0-0

Track

9: 0-0-0

Mobile

38: 6-14-5

Standing

11: 4-1-2

All-Weather

42: 10-0-0

Slushy

2: 0-0-0

Left Handed

19: 2-7

Right Handed

23: 8-11

Best Mile

1:53.50

Gear Changes

[Removable Deafeners, Blinds]

Comments

Tried hard behind stable mate in Kaikoura Cup. Needs to step. First4 fringes.

Expected Settling Position: Off Midfield

Last Starts days since last start

Place	Date	Track	Distance	Start	Surface	Barrier	Driver	Race Time	Mile Rate	Margin	SP	Days	Class	Prize	Prize Won	Result	Race Review
4th of 11	3/11/25	Kaikoura	2400m	Standing	All Weather	Fr2	Scott Phelan	1:57.2	1:57.2	6.10L	$7.90	17	FFA PACE	$98,250	$5,250	1. Merlin 2. Akuta 3. Mo'unga	Prkd,1x1,prkd,1x1 600,off,steady
14th of 15	17/10/25	NZ Metro	2600m	Standing	All Weather	Fr1	Harrison Orange	1:58.9	1:58.9	13.01L	$12	14	FFA PACE	$63,150	$1,050	1. Republican Party 2. Don't Stop Dreaming 3. Alta Meteor	Brk,7-8-7bk inr,6bk,off,battld
1st of 8	3/10/25	Auckland	2700m	Standing	All Weather	Fr1	Harrison Orange	3:20.7	1:59.6	0.48L	$5.00	14	DiscrHcp PACE	$37,200	$22,000	1. Sooner The Bettor 2. Merlin 3. Better Knuckle Up	Ld out,trld 1300,thru lane,powerful
1st of 10	19/9/25	Auckland	2200m	Standing	All Weather	Fr5	Harrison Orange	2:45.6	2:01.1	0.48L	$4.10	14	R60 & faster DiscrHcp PACE	$38,600	$22,000	1. Sooner The Bettor 2. The Surfer 3. Merlin	Brk,wd,prkd,ld 1550,dictated,gritty
1st of 5	5/9/25	Auckland	1700m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr1	Harrison Orange	2:04.0	1:57.4	0.19L	$3.50	126	R72 to R87 MOB. PACE	$17,550	$11,000	1. Sooner The Bettor 2. Better Knuckle Up 3. Jeremiah	Ld out,dictated,held on tenaciously
126 Day Spell
2nd of 9	2/5/25	Auckland	2200m	Standing	All Weather	Fr2	Scott Phelan	1:58.4	1:58.4	1.49L	$9.90	21	DiscrHcp PACE	$94,750	$15,500	1. Republican Party 2. Sooner The Bettor 3. We Walk By Faith	Ld out,trld 1450,strong fin on mrks

Wag Star (Fr9) 58277
Trainer: Craig Ferguson (Wyndham Raceway)
Driver: Craig Ferguson
Prize Money: $140,596
Win / Place: 22% / 54%

5 yo Bay Gelding

Sire: Sweet Lou

Dam: Sunny Two Shoes

Dam's Sire: Live Or Die

Owners: W H Mcdowell, Mrs M J Mcdowell, W E Bain, Mrs P M Bain

Stats

Career

31: 7-8-2

Distance

2: 1-0-0

Track

16: 3-0-0

Mobile

15: 5-4-2

Standing

16: 2-4-0

All-Weather

30: 7-0-0

Slushy

4: 2-0-0

Grass

1: 0-0-0

Left Handed

31: 7-10

Best Mile

1:54.01

Gear Changes

Blinds ON [Removable Deafeners, Blinds]

Comments

Manners left him at Ashburton. Has speed, but better suited in Junior FFA.

Expected Settling Position: Midfield

Last Starts days since last start

Place	Date	Track	Distance	Start	Surface	Barrier	Driver	Race Time	Mile Rate	Margin	SP	Days	Class	Prize	Prize Won	Result	Race Review
7th of 11	27/10/25	Ashburton	2400m	Standing	All Weather	Fr8	Craig Ferguson	1:57.3	1:57.3	5.69L	$112	10	FFA PACE	$58,950	$1,050	1. Republican Party 2. Alta Meteor 3. Akuta	Brk,9th,5bk inr,off,imprvd mid
7th of 15	17/10/25	NZ Metro	2600m	Standing	All Weather	Fr8	Craig Ferguson	1:58.9	1:58.9	6.39L	$87	12	FFA PACE	$63,150	$1,050	1. Republican Party 2. Don't Stop Dreaming 3. Alta Meteor	5bk otr,6bk,wd rear tn,warmd up wd
2nd of 8	5/10/25	Methven	3000m	Standing	Grass	Fr4	Craig Ferguson	2:22.3	2:22.3	0.48L	$4.70	9	R65 & faster DiscrHcp PACE	$37,200	$6,200	1. Rakero Rocket 2. Wag Star 3. Who's Delight	Brk,7th inr,1x1 850,off,closed hard
8th of 10	26/9/25	NZ Metro	2600m	Standing	All Weather	Fr3	Craig Ferguson	1:58.5	1:58.5	4.50L	$11	12	3YO+ R70 & faster DiscrHcp PACE	$21,713	$394	1. We Walk By Faith 2. Renegade 3. Alta Meteor	Brk,6bk inr,5bk otr,sound thru mid
5th of 9	14/9/25	Oamaru	2600m	Standing	All Weather	Fr7	Craig Ferguson	1:58.4	1:58.4	2.08L	$10	114	FFA PACE	$37,900	$1,200	1. Akuta 2. Dalton Shard 3. MacAndrew Aviator	Brk brfly,bk otr,angld trn,nice wrk
114 Day Spell
5th of 16	23/5/25	NZ Metro	3200m	Standing	All Weather	10m4	Craig Ferguson	2:00.4	2:00.4	4.80L	$5.20	7	R50 to R120 SpecHcp PACE	$107,000	$3,000	1. Betterthancash 2. The Surfer 3. Pinseeker	7-8bk otr,wdst rear tn,cheeky wdst

Akuta (Fr10) 51632
Trainer: Mark & Nathan Purdon (Matamata)
Driver: Mark Purdon
Prize Money: $1,194,603
Win / Place: 47% / 81%

Track Specialist

Nearing Another Win

6 yo Bay Gelding

Sire: Bettor's Delight

Dam: Adore To Our Dreams

Dam's Sire: Christian Cullen

Owners: Cullen Breeding Limited, Mark Purdon, T F Shaw

Stats

Career

38: 18-7-6

Distance

3: 1-0-0

Track

14: 5-0-0

Mobile

23: 12-4-3

Standing

15: 6-3-3

All-Weather

38: 18-0-0

Slushy

3: 2-0-0

Left Handed

26: 12-9

Right Handed

12: 6-4

Best Mile

1:51.80

Gear Changes

[Removable Deafeners, Blinds]

Comments

Slightly interrupted campaign but only faded late at Kaikoura. Add to trifectas.

Expected Settling Position: Backmarker

Last Starts days since last start

Place	Date	Track	Distance	Start	Surface	Barrier	Driver	Race Time	Mile Rate	Margin	SP	Days	Class	Prize	Prize Won	Result	Race Review
2nd of 11	3/11/25	Kaikoura	2400m	Standing	All Weather	Fr4	Mark Purdon	1:57.2	1:57.2	0.59L	$2.60	7	FFA PACE	$98,250	$15,500	1. Merlin 2. Akuta 3. Mo'unga	Up,ld 2000,tackld,ld,fght hard,cght
3rd of 11	27/10/25	Ashburton	2400m	Standing	All Weather	Fr2	Mark Purdon	1:57.3	1:57.3	4.39L	$7.30	17	FFA PACE	$58,950	$5,400	1. Republican Party 2. Alta Meteor 3. Akuta	4th,up,ld,trld 1400,thru,honest
6th of 7	10/10/25	NZ Metro	2600m	Standing	All Weather	25m2	Mark Purdon	1:58.4	1:58.4	4.20L	$3.00	26	4YO+ R75 & faster DiscrHcp PACE	$22,813	$438	1. Republican Party 2. Pinseeker 3. Smoke On The Water	7th,up,prkd 1200,askd,felt pinch
1st of 9	14/9/25	Oamaru	2600m	Standing	All Weather	Fr2	Mark Purdon	3:11.4	1:58.4	1.30L	$2.00	9	FFA PACE	$37,900	$22,000	1. Akuta 2. Dalton Shard 3. MacAndrew Aviator	Soon parkd,levelled up trn,classy
5th of 9	5/9/25	NZ Metro	2600m	Standing	All Weather	Fr1	Mark Purdon	2:00.3	2:00.3	1.90L	$2.70	14	FFA PACE	$37,900	$1,200	1. Alta Meteor 2. We Walk By Faith 3. Franco Marek	Slow,7th,3wd cvr,postd,prkd,hdd
1st of 4	22/8/25	Auckland	1700m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr5	Mark Purdon	2:06.6	1:59.9	0.71L	$1.60	14	R67 & faster MOB. PACE	$17,200	$11,000	1. Akuta 2. Jeremiah 3. Better Knuckle Up	Into trail early,off prkd 600,tough

Here's Herbie (Fr11) x4968
Trainer: Colin & Julie DeFilippi (Broadfield)
Driver: Colin DeFilippi
Prize Money: $155,085
Win / Place: 13% / 35%

6 yo Bay Gelding

Sire: Sportswriter

Dam: Just Rose

Dam's Sire: Sands A Flyin

Owners: Mrs J Defilippi

Stats

Career

59: 8-8-5

Distance

2: 0-0-0

Track

37: 2-0-0

Mobile

23: 1-1-3

Standing

36: 7-7-2

All-Weather

47: 4-0-0

Slushy

1: 0-0-0

Grass

12: 4-0-0

Left Handed

59: 8-13

Best Mile

1:55.07

Gear Changes

[Removable Deafeners, Sliding Blinds]

Comments

OK at Kaikoura after lacking space. Needs a few withdrawals but looks held.

Expected Settling Position: Off Pace

Last Starts days since last start

Place	Date	Track	Distance	Start	Surface	Barrier	Driver	Race Time	Mile Rate	Margin	SP	Days	Class	Prize	Prize Won	Result	Race Review
8th of 11	3/11/25	Kaikoura	2400m	Standing	All Weather	Fr11	Colin DeFilippi	1:57.2	1:57.2	12.01L	$52	17	FFA PACE	$98,250	$1,750	1. Merlin 2. Akuta 3. Mo'unga	3-4bk inr,held up rear tn,fair mid
1st of 8	29/10/25	N Cnty TOA	2600m	Standing		-	Colin DeFilippi	3:28.70	-	0L	$0.00	-	Trial	$0	-	1. Here's Herbie 2. Girlshavtime 3. Seaside Pond	-
6th of 10	17/10/25	NZ Metro	1980m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr4	Colin DeFilippi	1:56.6	1:56.6	4.01L	$30	28	3YO+ R59 to R70, R71 to R76 with cond. MOB. PACE	$17,853	$324	1. Franco Sinatra 2. Hadron Collider 3. Esmeralda	6th,1x1-3bk otr,off,warmed up wd
9th of 12	19/9/25	NZ Metro	2600m	Standing	All Weather	10m3	Jim Curtin	2:02.9	2:02.9	5.61L	$36	14	3YO+ R55 & faster DiscrHcp PACE	$20,000	$350	1. Arthur Shelby 2. Rubira 3. American Me	Soon prkd,1x1 950,tight,no gaps,ok
4th of 8	5/9/25	NZ Metro	1980m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr3	Colin DeFilippi	1:55.0	1:55.0	4.20L	$51	105	4YO+ R60 to R70 MOB. PACE	$16,740	$1,080	1. Treacherous Baby 2. Arthur Shelby 3. Dreams Are Free	6th,1x1-3bk otr,imprvd thru inr
105 Day Spell
9th of 11	20/8/25	N Cnty TOA	2600m	Standing		-	Colin DeFilippi	-	-	0L	$0.00	-	Trial	$0	-	1. Arthur Shelby 2. 3.	-

Kingman (Fr12) 17111
Trainer: Luke McCarthy (New South Wales)
Driver: Luke McCarthy
Prize Money: $379,267
Win / Place: 39% / 69%

Picket Fence

4 yo Bay Horse

Sire: Always B Miki

Dam: Gotta Go Dali Queen

Dam's Sire: Dali(USA)

Owners: M J Harvey

Stats

Career

33: 13-6-4

Mobile

33: 13-6-4

Best Mile

1:50.00

Gear Changes

[Removable Deafeners]

Comments

Divebombed to nab Leap To Fame in the Victoria Cup. Draw hurts but keep safe.

Expected Settling Position: Leader

Last Starts days since last start

Place	Date	Track	Distance	Start	Surface	Barrier	Driver	Race Time	Mile Rate	Margin	SP	Days	Class	Prize	Prize Won	Result	Race Review
1st of 12	18/10/25	Melton	2240m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr4	Luke McCarthy	2:36.20	1:52.2	0.67L	$5.50	14	No NR	$285,000	$162,450	1. Kingman 2. Hi Manameisjeff 3. Leap To Fame	-
1st of 10	4/10/25	Menangle	2300m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr8	Luke McCarthy	2:42.10	1:53.4	0.74L	$2.20	14	No NR	$23,256	$12,312	1. Kingman 2. Swayzee 3. Beach Ball	-
1st of 9	20/9/25	Menangle	1609m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr8	Luke McCarthy	1:50.00	1:50.0	2.12L	$2.80	14	No NR	$23,256	$12,312	1. Kingman 2. Classic Mission 3. Ubetcha Tigerpie	-
7th of 10	6/9/25	Menangle	1609m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr6	Robert Morris	1:47.50	1:47.5	2.57L	$7.50	14	NR up to 120	$171,000	$2,565	1. Cya Art 2. Captains Knock 3. Eye Keep Smiling	-
1st of 10	23/8/25	Menangle	2300m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr5	Luke McCarthy	2:41.50	1:53.0	1.26L	$1.30f	21	No NR	$23,256	$12,312	1. Kingman 2. Ubetcha Tigerpie 3. Ardens Ace	-
2nd of 10	2/8/25	Menangle	2300m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr4	Luke McCarthy	2:42.80	1:53.9	1.00L	$1.80f	7	No NR	$34,884	$5,814	1. Captains Knock 2. Kingman 3. Bay Of Biscay	-

We Walk By Faith (Fr13) x2168
Trainer: Hayden & Amanda Cullen (Rolleston)
Driver: Blair Orange
Prize Money: $490,172
Win / Place: 28% / 53%

4 yo Brown Gelding

Sire: Bettor's Delight

Dam: Wicked Nights

Dam's Sire: Art Major

Owners: D M Dunford, M D Dunford

Stats

Career

32: 9-5-3

Track

16: 5-0-0

Mobile

26: 8-4-2

Standing

6: 1-1-1

All-Weather

27: 8-0-0

Left Handed

21: 6-6

Right Handed

6: 2-2

Best Mile

1:51.60

Gear Changes

[Removable Deafeners]

Comments

Runs haven't panned out in last two. Genuine speedster though. Top 3/4 claims.

Expected Settling Position: Backmarker

Last Starts days since last start

Place	Date	Track	Distance	Start	Surface	Barrier	Driver	Race Time	Mile Rate	Margin	SP	Days	Class	Prize	Prize Won	Result	Race Review
4th of 7	5/11/25	NZ Metro	2600m	Standing		-	Hayden Cullen	3:25.30	-	1.00L	$0.00	-	Trial	$0	-	1. Always Dreaming 2. Tact Teva 3. Zarlini	-
8th of 11	27/10/25	Ashburton	2400m	Standing	All Weather	Fr1	Blair Orange	1:57.3	1:57.3	6.62L	$7.00	10	FFA PACE	$58,950	$1,050	1. Republican Party 2. Alta Meteor 3. Akuta	3bk inr,1x1,prkd 1400,askd,battld
6th of 15	17/10/25	NZ Metro	2600m	Standing	All Weather	Fr15	Blair Orange	1:58.9	1:58.9	4.98L	$5.10	21	FFA PACE	$63,150	$1,050	1. Republican Party 2. Don't Stop Dreaming 3. Alta Meteor	7bk otr,3wd,postd,prkd 700,bestd
1st of 10	26/9/25	NZ Metro	2600m	Standing	All Weather	Fr2	Blair Orange	3:11.6	1:58.5	0.71L	$2.70	21	3YO+ R70 & faster DiscrHcp PACE	$21,713	$12,375	1. We Walk By Faith 2. Renegade 3. Alta Meteor	Brk,1x1 2200,off tn,unleashed best
2nd of 9	5/9/25	NZ Metro	2600m	Standing	All Weather	Fr2	Blair Orange	2:00.3	2:00.3	0.59L	$4.80	126	FFA PACE	$37,900	$6,200	1. Alta Meteor 2. We Walk By Faith 3. Franco Marek	6th,3wd,prkd,1x1 600,off,solid
126 Day Spell
1st of 6	20/8/25	N Cnty TOA	2000m	Mobile		-	Hayden Cullen	-	-	0L	$0.00	-	Trial	$0	-	1. We Walk By Faith 2. Renegade 3.	-

American Me (Fr14) 83405
Trainer: Brent & Tim White (Ashburton Raceway)
Driver: Ricky May
Prize Money: $380,462
Win / Place: 15% / 45%

8 yo Bay Gelding

Sire: American Ideal

Dam: Bella Me

Dam's Sire: Presidential Ball

Owners: Merveber Ltd, K F Neville, Brennan 5 Syndicate, B Kouvelis, I R F Mckelvie, J J Jones, T L Rodewald, Scotts Ferry Syndicate

Stats

Career

106: 16-15-17

Distance

6: 1-0-0

Track

26: 2-0-0

Mobile

52: 7-8-9

Standing

54: 9-7-8

All-Weather

95: 12-0-0

Slushy

3: 0-0-0

Grass

11: 4-0-0

Left Handed

95: 13-31

Right Handed

11: 3-1

Best Mile

1:58.60

Gear Changes

[Removable Deafeners, Sliding Blinds]

Comments

Has form over the 3200m but plenty of work to do from draw. Look to others.

Expected Settling Position: Pace

Last Starts days since last start

Place	Date	Track	Distance	Start	Surface	Barrier	Driver	Race Time	Mile Rate	Margin	SP	Days	Class	Prize	Prize Won	Result	Race Review
5th of 11	3/11/25	Kaikoura	2400m	Standing	All Weather	Fr3	Ricky May	1:57.2	1:57.2	6.39L	$44	17	FFA PACE	$98,250	$3,000	1. Merlin 2. Akuta 3. Mo'unga	Led,trld 2000,thru,1-paced inr
15th of 15	17/10/25	NZ Metro	2600m	Standing	All Weather	Fr5	Ricky May	1:58.9	1:58.9	14.01L	$104	12	FFA PACE	$63,150	$1,050	1. Republican Party 2. Don't Stop Dreaming 3. Alta Meteor	1x1-4bk otr,5bk 700,tiring by tn
4th of 8	5/10/25	Methven	3000m	Standing	Grass	10m1	Ricky May	2:22.3	2:22.3	1.41L	$8.40	16	R65 & faster DiscrHcp PACE	$37,200	$2,100	1. Rakero Rocket 2. Wag Star 3. Who's Delight	6th inr,6-bk,prkd 850,stuck gamely
3rd of 12	19/9/25	NZ Metro	2600m	Standing	All Weather	30m3	Ricky May	2:02.9	2:02.9	2.30L	$30	14	3YO+ R55 & faster DiscrHcp PACE	$20,000	$1,900	1. Arthur Shelby 2. Rubira 3. American Me	8th,4bk otr,angld wd,handy mid
8th of 9	5/9/25	NZ Metro	2600m	Standing	All Weather	Fr4	Gerard O'Reilly	2:00.3	2:00.3	3.79L	$31	14	FFA PACE	$37,900	$700	1. Alta Meteor 2. We Walk By Faith 3. Franco Marek	2nd,trld,askd 350,no extra inr
3rd of 9	22/8/25	NZ Metro	2600m	Standing	All Weather	Fr1	Blair Orange	2:01.2	2:01.2	0.30L	$9.10	14	DiscrHcp PACE	$37,900	$3,600	1. Mo'unga 2. Franco Marek 3. American Me	Up,trld 2400,waitd,went close inr

Alta Meteor (Fr15) 11332
Trainer: Steve & Amanda Telfer (Weedons)
Driver: Tim Williams
Prize Money: $287,175
Win / Place: 30% / 67%

Track Specialist

Nearing Another Win

5 yo Bay Gelding

Sire: Art Major

Dam: Alchemist

Dam's Sire: Mach Three

Owners: Stonewall Stud Ltd

Stats

Career

40: 12-5-10

Distance

3: 0-0-0

Track

27: 9-0-0

Mobile

24: 8-4-5

Standing

16: 4-1-5

All-Weather

37: 10-0-0

Slushy

1: 1-0-0

Grass

1: 1-0-0

Left Handed

37: 11-15

Right Handed

1: 0-0

Best Mile

1:55.00

Gear Changes

[Removable Deafeners, Sliding Blinds]

Comments

Luck eluded him in the barrier draw again. Racing well though. Blowout hope.

Expected Settling Position: Backmarker

Last Starts days since last start

Place	Date	Track	Distance	Start	Surface	Barrier	Driver	Race Time	Mile Rate	Margin	SP	Days	Class	Prize	Prize Won	Result	Race Review
2nd of 11	27/10/25	Ashburton	2400m	Standing	All Weather	Fr5	Tim Williams	1:57.3	1:57.3	1.78L	$11	10	FFA PACE	$58,950	$9,300	1. Republican Party 2. Alta Meteor 3. Akuta	Led,trld,3bk 1400,waitd,good inr
3rd of 15	17/10/25	NZ Metro	2600m	Standing	All Weather	Fr2	Tim Williams	1:58.9	1:58.9	3.49L	$14	21	FFA PACE	$63,150	$5,400	1. Republican Party 2. Don't Stop Dreaming 3. Alta Meteor	Up,3-4bk inr,prkd,1x1-3bk otr,solid
3rd of 10	26/9/25	NZ Metro	2600m	Standing	All Weather	10m1	Tim Williams	1:58.5	1:58.5	1.00L	$6.00	21	3YO+ R70 & faster DiscrHcp PACE	$21,713	$2,138	1. We Walk By Faith 2. Renegade 3. Alta Meteor	3-4th,up,ld 1850,joind tn,fght,hdd
1st of 9	5/9/25	NZ Metro	2600m	Standing	All Weather	Fr5	Tim Williams	3:14.4	2:00.3	0.59L	$2.50	28	FFA PACE	$37,900	$22,000	1. Alta Meteor 2. We Walk By Faith 3. Franco Marek	Soon ld,set terms,kickd,held well
1st of 11	8/8/25	NZ Metro	2600m	Standing	All Weather	30m1	Tim Williams	3:15.1	2:00.7	0.71L	$4.70	269	3YO+ R51 & faster DiscrHcp PACE	$24,563	$13,750	1. Alta Meteor 2. Franco Marek 3. American Me	7th,3bk otr,wd cvr tn,kept coming
269 Day Spell
2nd of 6	30/7/25	NZ Metro	2600m	Standing		-	Tim Williams	-	-	0L	$0.00	-	Trial	$0	-	1. Franco Marek 2. Alta Meteor 3.	-

Mo'unga (Fr16) 10703
Trainer: Regan Todd (Yaldhurst)
Driver: Robbie Close
Prize Money: $246,604
Win / Place: 32% / 45%

6 yo Bay Gelding

Sire: Bettor's Delight

Dam: O Baby

Dam's Sire: Christian Cullen

Owners: Mrs G J Kennard, P I Kennard, Breckon Racing Syndicate, J A Gibbs Mnzm, Mrs A Gibbs, G A Woodham, Mrs K J Woodham, R W Todd, C J Kirkwood

Stats

Career

37: 12-2-3

Distance

2: 0-0-0

Track

17: 5-0-0

Mobile

10: 3-2-0

Standing

27: 9-0-3

All-Weather

30: 9-0-0

Slushy

2: 1-0-0

Grass

7: 3-0-0

Left Handed

32: 12-3

Right Handed

5: 0-2

Best Mile

1:56.20

Gear Changes

[Removable Deafeners]

Comments

Hinted at return to form with Kaikoura Cup 3rd. Will need all his talents here.

Expected Settling Position: Backmarker

Last Starts days since last start

Place	Date	Track	Distance	Start	Surface	Barrier	Driver	Race Time	Mile Rate	Margin	SP	Days	Class	Prize	Prize Won	Result	Race Review
3rd of 11	3/11/25	Kaikoura	2400m	Standing	All Weather	Fr7	Robbie Close	1:57.2	1:57.2	3.61L	$6.50	17	FFA PACE	$98,250	$9,000	1. Merlin 2. Akuta 3. Mo'unga	3wd,prkd,1x1,3bk otr 600,off,useful
13th of 15	17/10/25	NZ Metro	2600m	Standing	All Weather	Fr10	Robbie Close	1:58.9	1:58.9	11.00L	$20	7	FFA PACE	$63,150	$1,050	1. Republican Party 2. Don't Stop Dreaming 3. Alta Meteor	Up,led,trld 1500,thru,faded on inr
7th of 7	10/10/25	NZ Metro	2600m	Standing	All Weather	10m1	Robbie Close	1:58.4	1:58.4	4.39L	$6.00	14	4YO+ R75 & faster DiscrHcp PACE	$22,813	$438	1. Republican Party 2. Pinseeker 3. Smoke On The Water	3-4-5bk inr,3bk otr,angld,honest
10th of 10	26/9/25	NZ Metro	2600m	Standing	All Weather	10m2	Robbie Close	1:58.5	1:58.5	6.39L	$6.80	35	3YO+ R70 & faster DiscrHcp PACE	$21,713	$394	1. We Walk By Faith 2. Renegade 3. Alta Meteor	5th,5bk inr 1850,held up tn,fair
35 Day Freshen-Up
1st of 9	22/8/25	NZ Metro	2600m	Standing	All Weather	10m1	Robbie Close	3:15.9	2:01.2	0.19L	$3.60	14	DiscrHcp PACE	$37,900	$22,000	1. Mo'unga 2. Franco Marek 3. American Me	3bk otr,7th,3-4bk otr,wd,flew,just
6th of 11	8/8/25	NZ Metro	2600m	Standing	All Weather	30m2	Bob Butt	2:00.7	2:00.7	6.28L	$5.30	98	3YO+ R51 & faster DiscrHcp PACE	$24,563	$438	1. Alta Meteor 2. Franco Marek 3. American Me	Slow,9th,5bk otr,inr tn,held up,gd
98 Day Spell

Don't Stop Dreaming (Fr17) x6425
Trainer: Hayden & Amanda Cullen (Rolleston)
Driver: Samantha Ottley
Prize Money: $1,293,255
Win / Place: 38% / 70%

Track Specialist

5 yo Bay Horse

Sire: Bettor's Delight

Dam: Start Dreaming

Dam's Sire: American Ideal

Owners: D M Dunford, M D Dunford, Mrs J V Burnett Ksm

Stats

Career

47: 18-11-4

Distance

2: 0-0-0

Track

18: 9-0-0

Mobile

36: 17-8-3

Standing

11: 1-3-1

All-Weather

36: 14-0-0

Slushy

1: 1-0-0

Left Handed

27: 11-10

Right Handed

9: 3-2

Best Mile

1:50.50

Gear Changes

[Removable Deafeners, Blinds]

Comments

Excellent 2nd in this great race last year. Will be waiting for moves. Smokey.

Expected Settling Position: Backmarker

Last Starts days since last start

Place	Date	Track	Distance	Start	Surface	Barrier	Driver	Race Time	Mile Rate	Margin	SP	Days	Class	Prize	Prize Won	Result	Race Review
5th of 11	27/10/25	Ashburton	2400m	Standing	All Weather	Fr6	Samantha Ottley	1:57.3	1:57.3	4.98L	$5.40	10	FFA PACE	$58,950	$1,800	1. Republican Party 2. Alta Meteor 3. Akuta	Trld-4bk inr,off,3bk otr,useful wd
2nd of 15	17/10/25	NZ Metro	2600m	Standing	All Weather	Fr6	Olivia Thornley	1:58.9	1:58.9	3.09L	$5.90	21	FFA PACE	$63,150	$9,300	1. Republican Party 2. Don't Stop Dreaming 3. Alta Meteor	Prkd,3bk otr,4bk 700,off,smart mid
4th of 10	26/9/25	NZ Metro	2600m	Standing	All Weather	20m1	Olivia Thornley	1:58.5	1:58.5	1.19L	$8.50	12	3YO+ R70 & faster DiscrHcp PACE	$21,713	$1,350	1. We Walk By Faith 2. Renegade 3. Alta Meteor	9-10th,3bk otr,off,strong bid wd
6th of 9	14/9/25	Oamaru	2600m	Standing	All Weather	Fr1	Blair Orange	1:58.4	1:58.4	3.09L	$3.80	135	FFA PACE	$37,900	$700	1. Akuta 2. Dalton Shard 3. MacAndrew Aviator	Soon 3pegs,just ok up innr
135 Day Spell
4th of 9	3/9/25	N Cnty TOA	2600m	Standing		-	Blair Orange	-	-	0L	$0.00	-	Trial	$0	-	1. The Lazarus Effect 2. 3.	-
5th of 6	20/8/25	N Cnty TOA	2000m	Mobile		-	Blair Orange	-	-	0L	$0.00	-	Trial	$0	-	1. We Walk By Faith 2. 3.	-

Better Knuckle Up (Fr18) 32532
Trainer: Barry Purdon & Scott Phelan (Clevedon)
Driver: Crystal Hackett (J)
Prize Money: $309,867
Win / Place: 25% / 62%

Nearing Another Win

4 yo Bay Gelding

Sire: Bettor's Delight

Dam: Bare Knuckle

Dam's Sire: Raging Bull

Owners: Mrs J V Stott, P A Stott

Stats

Career

24: 6-3-6

Track

3: 1-0-0

Mobile

21: 6-2-5

Standing

3: 0-1-1

All-Weather

21: 6-0-0

Left Handed

4: 1-1

Right Handed

17: 5-7

Best Mile

1:53.30

Gear Changes

[Removable Deafeners, Blinds]

Comments

Showed his ability to follow speed in last year's Velocity. This is harder.

Expected Settling Position: Backmarker

Last Starts days since last start

Place	Date	Track	Distance	Start	Surface	Barrier	Driver	Race Time	Mile Rate	Margin	SP	Days	Class	Prize	Prize Won	Result	Race Review
6th of 7	5/11/25	NZ Metro	1980m	Mobile		-	Barry Purdon	2:30.00	-	0L	$0.00	-	Trial	$0	-	1. Captains Mistress 2. Chase A Dream 3. Lakelsa	-
2nd of 5	17/10/25	Auckland	2200m	Standing	All Weather	10m1	Crystal Hackett	1:59.8	1:59.8	0.41L	$1.80	14	R62 to R86 DiscrHcp PACE	$17,550	$3,100	1. Jeremiah 2. Better Knuckle Up 3. Jolimont	Brk,rear inr,1x1,prkd 900,ld,nutted
3rd of 8	3/10/25	Auckland	2700m	Standing	All Weather	Fr3	Crystal Hackett	1:59.6	1:59.6	2.30L	$7.00	14	DiscrHcp PACE	$37,200	$3,600	1. Sooner The Bettor 2. Merlin 3. Better Knuckle Up	Brk,6th inr,4-bk,off,3&4w 450,stout
5th of 10	19/9/25	Auckland	2200m	Standing	All Weather	Fr4	Crystal Hackett	2:01.1	2:01.1	3.72L	$7.20	14	R60 & faster DiscrHcp PACE	$38,600	$700	1. Sooner The Bettor 2. The Surfer 3. Merlin	Brk,9th otr,4-bk bell,wdst,did well
2nd of 5	5/9/25	Auckland	1700m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr2	Crystal Hackett	1:57.4	1:57.4	0.19L	$4.30	14	R72 to R87 MOB. PACE	$17,550	$3,100	1. Sooner The Bettor 2. Better Knuckle Up 3. Jeremiah	Gun run mrks,thru,chkd,strong pegs
3rd of 4	22/8/25	Auckland	1700m	Mobile	All Weather	Fr2	Crystal Hackett	1:59.9	1:59.9	2.01L	$4.50	167	R67 & faster MOB. PACE	$17,200	$1,900	1. Akuta 2. Jeremiah 3. Better Knuckle Up	Chkd,rear,3-bk inr,trld 600,fght on
167 Day Spell

Race Review Abbreviations

Brk: Broke, Blkd: Blocked or held up, 1 x 1: One-out, one-back, Prkd: Parked, 3bk otr: 3 back on the outer, 3bk inr: Same as above, but on the inside, trld: Trailed, Gt spd: Showed gate speed, 3wd: 3-wide postd: Caught wide without cover, Held up: Held up, no gaps or few gaps: If they don't see any clear air in the straight, Inr-mid-wd -position: On the inside, mid = 1-off, wd = 3-wide or wider, flew hm wd: Flew home wide, dashd inr: Sprinted well on the inside, Chkd: Checked, Slow: Slow away at the start, Wltd: Wilted or got tired, Fdd: Faded late, Urgd: If the driver's getting stuck in