Racing: Cup win boosts hopes

A bunched field finishes Woodville's fifth race on Thursday. Photo / Dave Murdoch

Kevin Gray was given encouragement yesterday to raise his sights with his in-form staying mare All In Vogue.

The Palmerston North horseman has her in the group three Wallaceville Estate Wellington Cup (3200m) and she did her prospects of a start no harm with victory in the Listed Cambridge Thoroughbred Lodge Wanganui Cup (2040m).

A past visit to Trentham indicated that All In Vogue could cope with the extra distance of the staying feature on January 20.

"She's nominated and she's already run a mile and a-half well there so the two miles may not be a problem," Gray said.

He was referring to All In Vogue's second placing behind Rock On, a winner at Otaki on Friday, in last season's Listed New Zealand St Leger (2500m).

A daughter of Pins and the multiple Group One winner Tall Poppy, All In Vogue was given a sweet run near the pace at Wanganui by Leah Hemi and they came with a well-timed run to take the day's main event.

Gray had been in a confident pre-race mood following the five-year-old's bold showing to finish runner-up in the Waverley Cup (2200m) at her previous appearance.

"I thought she went a top race and the track today was perfect for her and she had the right weight," he said.

Blathwayt came home strongly to take second money from Balham.

- NZ Racing Desk