Gingernuts dunks his Guineas rivals

Gingernuts. Photo / Trish Dunell.

The connections of Gingernuts are going to have to speculate to accumulate if they are to fully cash in on the 3-year-old's form.

The son of Iffraaj doesn't currently feature among the entries for the group oneVodafone New Zealand Derby, but he produced a compelling argument at Ellerslie yesterday for his inclusion.

Gingernuts bombed the start of the group two Retina Specialists Avondale Guineas and then had the audacity to come from last for a hollow victory in a 2100m event that has historically proved an outstanding classic guide.

"He's not in the Derby so we're going to have to sit down with the owners and I would say that a late nomination will be going in on Tuesday - that was quite a serious win," said Jamie Richards, who trains in partnership with Stephen Autridge.

The previous winner of two races up to a mile, Gingernuts was aided by a fine ride from Johnathan Parkes, who saved every inch of ground after he had blown the start by lengths.

"It was devastating to see him miss the kick like that, but in fairness Johnathan took his time and the horse probably isn't good enough to go around the field so he took all the short cuts. It was a serious step up for the horse and we wanted to give him his chance. He looks like a real stayer in the making - he's out of a Generous mare."

His mother Double Elle won five races and her son was originally bought as a weanling for $5000 by central districts agent Phill Cataldo, Gingernuts subsequently realised $42,500 at the Ready to Run Sale where he was secured by Te Akau principal David Ellis.

Charles Road did his Derby prospects no harm with a solid run for second and neither did Mongolian Wolf, who took third off the pacemaker Redeem The Dream.

Meanwhile, Cambridge trainer Tony Pike celebrated a winning double as well as the emergence of another potential group one contende.

He was successful with Sin To Win in the Macular Degeneration NZ 1600 at Ellerslie and he was also delighted with Sacred Way's performance to finish runner-up in the Visique Rose Optometrists 1500.

While at New Plymouth, Pike's best moment came when Sacred Rhythm claimed the Listed Bob Sharrock Memorial Oaks Prelude.