Racing: Ruakaka stable at the double

Ruakaka Races. Photo / File

Kenny Rae's punting mates may have felt short-changed after Kaharau won at Ellerslie, but they were all smiles after stablemate Major Tom followed suit in the closing event on Saturday.

The Ruakaka horseman gave the former little chance in the Westinghouse Nathan's Memorial (2400m) and was much keener on the latter's prospects in the Vodafone Events Centre Handicap (2100m).

"My tip was Major Tom, I thought he could win again, but I didn't think Kaharau could win with the weight. I was wrong but who cares," said Rae, who trains with his wife Lisa and their daughter Krystal Williams.

Kaharau's victory under 60kg has put him right in the Group One Auckland Cup (3200m) picture.

Placed in the Group Three New Zealand Cup (3200m) in the spring, Kaharau led early for jockey Sam Spratt before trailing and he was back in front 300m from home.

The six-year-old showed the tenacious side of his nature in the straight to hold the challenge of Ladies First at bay to win by a short head.

Araldo Junior was a long head back in third.

Kaharau's stablemate Major Tom had little trouble justifying Rae's faith in the son of Redwood when he posted a clear-cut victory off the back of a Pukekohe success six days previously.

"He doesn't need a heavy track, he's a very talented horse on dead to slow tracks," Rae said.

Major Tom completed a double for apprentice Jasmine Fowcett, who had earlier been successful aboard the Bill Pomare-trained Rich Billie Marsh.

Meanwhile On The Rocks is back in Group One contention after downing his fellow classic hopefuls at Ellerslie.

The Alamosa colt dropped down the pecking order after he was unplaced in the Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m), but he's back in business after knocking off a strong three-year-old line-up in Saturday's Gr.2 Electrolux Avondale Guineas (2100m).

Out of a half-sister to the Group One Melbourne Cup (3200m) and Group One VRC Derby (2500m) winner Efficient, On The Rocks raced behind the pace and he finished determinedly in the straight for the third win of his seven-start career.

- NZ Racing Desk