Anotherchancetaken's career will always be overshadowed by the star of the family, but he can further prove his own worth with another victory at New Plymouth today.
The older half-brother to New Zealand Derby winner Silent Achiever will be shooting for his fifth win when he lines up in the Rating 75 Stella Artois 1800 and after his most recent performance at the Pukekura Raceway he has to be accorded a gilt-edged chance.
Anotherchancetaken comfortably beat handy performers Lasswade and Les Sylphides in the same grade last month. The only time he has failed to weigh in this preparation was at Hastings, where he missed the jump and was forced to cover extra ground.
Bred by Valachi Downs' Kevin Hickman, the No Excuse Needed 6-year-old is prepared at Awapuni by part-owner Deborah Parry, whose two training successes to date have both been provided by the gelding.
She has a small team in work which also includes Palm Island, who has been an open handicap placegetter this season and was last year placed in the Manawatu Cup. He holds a nomination for the New Zealand Cup on November 16.
Ironically, another cup entry will oppose Anotherchancetaken today, when Duke Of York resumes.
"I think he's one of the more genuine two-milers in the country," owner-trainer Warren Bolton said.
Duke Of York, a son of Duelled, hasn't raced since he won over 2200m at Te Aroha in April and has good first-up credentials. At this meeting last year he finished runner-up over 1800m behind Thrive.
His stablemate Miss Enders will also be resuming when she starts a black type campaign in the Rating 65 Echoes Of Heaven @ Linwood Park 1400.
- NZ Racing Desk