Racing: Hot favourite wins impressively

Phillip Turner is forming a lethal combination with Wanganui trainer Raymond Connors and in particular star jumper Mikemendaad - an impressive winner of the $33,500 Waikato Steeplechase at Te Rapa yesterday.

Turner has a faultless partnership with Mikemendaad - six rides for six wins - as they outstayed the opposition to win the first steeplechase feature of the season.

Mikemendaad started a hot favourite in the 4900m event but gave his supporters a scare on the home turn when momentarily headed, but showed great stamina and speed on the flat to score a two-length victory over Sportavian. A further 1 lengths away third was In Ya Dreams.

Mikemendaad has been a jumping sensation as a steeplechaser, scoring six wins from eight starts and Turner has been the quiet achiever.

Connors produced his star jumper in faultless physical condition and the 6-year-old showed plenty of determination carrying the top weight of 66kg to victory.

The Wanganui trainer gave Mikemendaad the added advantage of racing at Te Rapa before yesterday's feature - an easy last-start victory - on the left-handed track.

Te Rapa proved a difficult course for leading South Island-trained jumper Honour Victory who raced on the speed during the early part of the race but threw in a number of bad jumps and dropped out in the home straight.

ISAAC LUPTON was the dominant jockey in New Zealand jumps racing last season and punters would have made a small fortune following him in the $33,500 Waikato Hurdles.

Lupton had his first ride on Spirit Of Alaton and scored a length victory over Wolf Pack with a further head back to High Season (third).

Lupton was the superstar performer in jumps racing last season winning 11 races including the Grand National Steeplechase on Gauchito Bastardo and the Great Northern Steeplechase on Hypnotize.

Spirit Of Alaton has been a good performer scoring five wins and four minor placings from 14 starts as a hurdler. The 10-year-old confirmed his fitness for this event with a dashing last-start victory in a jumper's flat event at Woodville.

Otaki-based trainer Rachael Frost has done a wonderful job getting this veteran performer into winning form this season.

WINTER RACING star Kiri bounced back to winning form yesterday taking out the $32,500 Open Handicap.

The 6-year-old mare comes into her own when the rain arrives during winter racing in the Auckland-Waikato.

Jockey Mark Sweeney got Kiri home by a long neck over Lady Lucille with a further head away to Prized Touch (third).