Racing: Gutsy Justa Tad gives all in first start

Matamata jockey Vinny Colgan has had two big surprises this week.

The first was learning, when reading the New Zealand Herald, that he was not engaged for regular ride Justa Tad for a Melbourne spring campaign.

The second was just how good the champion mare felt in finishing second to Clifton Prince in her first start for this campaign at Taupo yesterday.

Colgan is not a gusher, but he is in awe of Justa Tad's ability.

"She's the best I've ridden outside Zonda. He was a freak and she's that close to it."

Co-owner Megan Liefting declared Justa Tad a 'podgy teddy bear' before yesterday's race, but that did not stop last season's champion filly chasing hard after the hot favourite Clifton Prince in the sharp 1200m that might have been expected to be a shade short for her.

The neck fully extended for the entire length of the home straight clearly spelled out how hard Justa Tad continues to try in her races.

"You could see it, couldn't you," enthused Colgan about the mare's will to win. "It's amazing."

Following press reports that Justa Tad was below full fitness for yesterday's race, Colgan was taken into the judicial room before the event and reminded of his obligations about doing his best.

"You never have to worry about that with her," he said later, "you could never give her a quiet run - she tries too hard. It's a big thrill to ride a horse like her."

Colgan was reluctant to say much about the engagement of Larry Cassidy for the Melbourne campaign, but the disappointment was clear in his voice.

"I understand the Japan Racing Association has been talking to the team about a race or two up there and I have been asked if I'd be prepared to ride her there."

Cassidy rode Justa Tad in her two-race Sydney campaign in the autumn, which included her second in the AJC Oaks.

The trip from Takanini to Taupo and back and the race is certain to bring Justa Tad to a point where she will be even more competitive next start as she prepares for her Australian campaign.

Clifton Prince was impressive in winning, sitting wide outside the speed and proving too strong in the closing stages.

The sprinting-oriented Clifton Prince is being aimed at the new Coupland's-sponsored $250,000 1600m race at Riccarton in November.

The almost quiet way the horse finished off his race yesterday suggests that trained for 1600m he will not have a problem with the distance.

"He's only had two 1600m," said trainer Peter McKay. "He led them up in the 2000m and just failed to stay the distance when he ran in the King's Plate at Ellerslie.

"If he fails to stay the 1600m at Christchurch, I can easily drop him back to a sprint - he's done that before and he does it well. There are always races like the Concorde at Avondale."

Rider Andrew Calder was impressed with yesterday's effort and believes there is every chance Clifton Prince will successfully manage 1600m.

Maroofity, carrying an impossible 60.5kg, finished a gallant third after leading.

* Waikato apprentice Chad Ormsby was suspended for nearly a month for failing to weigh in after his mount finished second in a race yesterday.

Ormsby finished second aboard fifth favourite Year Of The Cat in the $5000 Elusive City-Van Nistelrooy Maiden (1200m) but the horse was subsequently disqualified.

Stipendiary steward John Oatham told NZPA there was little explanation from Ormsby. "He said he forgot and went back into the jockeys' room," Oatham said.

Ormsby, who is apprenticed to Year Of The Cat's trainer Lance O'Sulllivan, was suspended from after this Saturday's racing and up to and including September 17.