It couldn’t have been scripted better and one would say the perfect pipe opener before embarking on a NZ Cup campaign.
Kango’s win in the Spring Cup gave trainer Arna Donnelly plenty to smile about. He leaves for Christchurch on Monday and Donnelly believes he’s right where she needs him to be six weeks out from the big dance.
“He’s certainly not screwed down yet so I was rapt with his performance on Friday night. When you take into consideration his handicap and overall time you couldn’t ask for anything more,” said Donnelly.
Stand in driver Ben Butcher executed it perfectly while keeping the seat warm for Father David.
For Donnelly the win was extra special as his owner Bruce Brodie has only ever seen him win once before. “To have Bruce on track with his daughters and granddaughter really sealed the win.”
You couldn’t take anything away from Kango’s stablemate Taipo who was defiant to the end. “He’s right back in the game and I’m sure he’ll get his share of the spoils once Kango heads South” said Donnelly.
The two other Donnelly runners New York Minute and Rough And Ready both put in tidy performances and once they get into the right race they won’t be too far away from the honey pot.
It was a great night for the team with the ultra-consistent Bad Medicine finally finding his way to the winner’s circle. “He’s the ultimate EFTPOS card – one that never declines.”
Loyal syndicate member Aaron Roberts was once again on course to witness the win. Also on hand were part owners Debbie and Murray Bennett. “It’s the first time Debbie and Murray have seen Baz race so to pull it off for them was super.”
The two three year old races also saw stable runners Crusader and Perfect Bet really step up to the mark.
Crusader ran a very gallant third in the Northern 3 Year Old Stakes and stamped himself as a very tidy immediate grade pacer. “He’s a horse who’ll stay to the death – if you had a party, he’d be the last to leave” said Donnelly.
Perfect Bet was super in the Nevele R Fillies Series heat when taking it right to the wire. “She’s made her way into the final so I’ll talk to Paul and Mary in the next few weeks and we’ll decide if we head South.”
