Racing: Taurus revels in soft going

Trentham's late autumn track conditions were to the liking of gutsy winter galloper Taurus when he showed plenty of determination to take out the Fortuna Syndicators Handicap over 1400 metres on the weekend.

The four-year-old registered the fifth win of his 24-start career with the victory setting him up for a possible tilt at the Winter Cup at Riccarton later in the season.

Trainer Evan Rayner, who prepares Taurus in partnership with his daughter JJ, was pleased with the effort that came off the back of a battling fifth at the same venue a fortnight earlier.

"I think he enjoyed the wetter track he struck on Saturday plus he was fitter after his previous run," explained Rayner. "He's a tough little fellow and he showed plenty of his trademark grit so there was a lot to like about the win.

"If he keeps improving then the Winter Cup could be on the agenda as I think he would be competitive provided he struck the right track on the day."

Taurus is likely to have his next run in an open handicap over 1400 metres at Te Rapa on May 18 when he accompanies stablemate Mr Mor north to the meeting. Mr Mor has been in the Rayner stable for the past four months and will tackle the first of the season's jumping features, the Waikato Steeplechase, on the day.

"We've had Mr Mor for about four months now and he will kick off his season at Otaki this Tuesday," said Rayner. "He will be aimed at the major jumping races throughout the season with the Waikato Steeplechase being his first target."