Apprentice jockey Troy Harris underlined his class and skill as a rider when combining with Hi Yo Wassup to win the Red Bull Mile.
With the advantage of a three kilogram apprentice claim, Hi Yo Wassup carried 53.5 kilograms in the 1600-metre event and lengthened stride impressively down the extreme
outside of the track in the home stretch to win by two lengths over Wise Man's Step.
A further nose away in third position was Danz Star.
Hi Yo Wassup has been a model of consistency for trainers Wayne and Vanessa Hillis - this win her fourth (on top of eight minor placings) from 19 career starts.
Harris had the mare positioned back off the speed before hooking the 5-year-old to the outside in the home stretch to chase the leaders.
Another runner to catch the eye was Cut The Cake who settled well back off the pace in last position and unleashed a sustained sprint finish down the outside in the home stretch to finish in fourth position.
JUMPS RACING training icons Ken and Ann Browne struck early at Ellerslie.
The Cambridge-based trainers achieved the perfect result, training the first three place-getters Primo Canera, Jolly Sir and Camouflage in the Morgan Furniture Novice Steeplechase.
Primo Canera was well-rated in front throughout the running of the 4150m event by Shelley Houston powering away from the opposition at the top of the home stretch to win by 11 lengths over Jolly Sir.
A further two lengths away in third position was Camouflage.
Primo Canera, a 7-year-old, jumped fluently in front and has the faultless record of two wins and a third placing from three starts as a steeplechaser.
The Browne stable are renowned for producing racehorses that excel on wet winter track conditions.
Yesterday's track at Ellerslie was rock hard, more like summer conditions as opposed to the usual slog associated with competing on Great Northern day.
- HERALD ON SUNDAY
