Charlie Studd's unwavering belief in Zedeedudadeeko proved on the money when they combined to take top honours yesterday's Great Northern Hurdles at Ellerslie.
He went into the Schweppes-sponsored feature in high spirits off the back of a fourth placing seven days ago, although the Cambridge jockey's optimism wasn't entirely shared by Tauherenikau part-owner and trainer Jamie Phillips.
"The horse has had his ups and downs and ins and outs," Phillips said. "He went a good race at Te Aroha and he needed it. Charlie was full of praise for the horse and he was the one who was super confident."
One thing Phillips was certain of though was Zedeedudadeeko's ability to cope with the testing going at Ellerslie.
"He ran second in the Parliamentary at Trentham and he was knee deep in mud that day, that's the sort of conditions he likes. This is pretty special."
