Racing: Just The Man too strong

Gut Instinct saw trainer of the moment Davina Waddell basking in winning glory at Ellerslie yesterday after Just The Man destroyed his rivals to win the $100,000 Great Northern Steeplechase.

Waddell did not originally intend to start Just The Man in the $100,000 event but changed her mind and was enjoying the moment.

The well-respected horse trainer set her sights on winning the novice steeplechase series at the start of the jumping season with the lightly-raced Just The Man.

However her plans with the 9-year-old changed after an impressive last-start performance to finish third behind Bart in the Pakuranga Hunt Cup at Ellerslie.

Waddell spent numerous hours watching video replays of Just The Man's last-start effort and decided to start her charge in New Zealand's most gruelling steeplechase event.

Just The Man settled handy to the pace throughout the 6400-metre, 25- fence event and lengthened stride effortlessly with 600 metres remaining to sweep forward and lead.

Jockey Joanne Rathbone had plenty of horsepower underneath her in the home stretch as this combination cleared out to win by 12 lengths over The Storytella with a further short neck back to the pace setting Bart (third).

"Just The Man pulled up well after the race," said Waddell.

"In fact a lot better than most people would think after running out the distance of the Great Northern Steeplechase. I maintain that Just The Man was unlucky in his last-start when finishing third behind Bart in the Pakuranga Hunt Cup.

"He received a check that really meant he lost momentum at a time in the race when you needed to be at the top end of your speed to catch the leader and winner Bart.

"I went over and over the video replay of the race and I decided that we would press on and start him in the Great Northern.

"I was a little concerned that he may not have the stamina to run out the distance of the race

"But I knew that he was fit enough to compete.

"My main aim with the horse this season has been to win the novice steeplechase series and changing those plans and winning the ultimate steeplechase race in New Zealand is the ultimate buzz.

"He'll have one or possibly two more starts this season then I'll turn him out for a well-deserved spell," said the thrilled Waddell.

Just The Man has been a consistent performer as a steeplechaser, scoring two wins and five minor placings from 10 starts.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY