Racing: Northern raider travelling well

Dean and Donna Logan will launch a serious attack on the Wanganui Cup today.

The husband and wife team have sent the hugely in-form Northern Beau south from Ruakaka to contest the 2400m event with the equally in-form Jade Rogers booked to ride.

The Beau Zam six-year-old has fashioned an enviable record over ground in the north this campaign and his last-start third to Expectalite at Counties over 2400m was courageous.

"He got shuffled back on the turn and then had to fight back for third. It was a very good run under the circumstances," said Donna Logan.

"The distance of the Wanganui Cup will really suit at this stage and while this is his longest trip away from home, I'm sure he will cope. He's been to Tauranga, which is a five-hour trip, and he seemed to handle that well."

Northern Beau, normally an on-the-pace runner, has posted much of his best form on rain-affected ground, but the Logans are confident the firmer surface on offer at Wanganui today will pose no problems.

"It would be nice if the jar is just out of the track, but now he's older he will handle any type of surface."

Regular pilot Peter Johnson has commitments at the Auckland meeting today, forcing the Logans to search the central districts for a suitable rider.

"Hayden Tinsley rang for the ride, but we have just 53.5kg in the Wanganui Cup and the best Hayden could hope to make was around 54kg," Logan said.

"The golden rule is never to put jockeys up overweight in open handicaps, so we booked Jade Rogers. We think Northern Beau has to be a huge show."

Meanwhile, Waverley trainers John Boon and Paul Reid are seeking retribution at Wanganui today after losing classy stayer My Governess to injury.

The pair saddle up pre-post Cambridge Thoroughbred Sales Wanganui Cup favourite Cluden Creek, and this year's Wellington Cup victor is primed to return to winning form.

My Governess, who placed third in last season's Auckland Cup, returned from her recent Christchurch campaign carrying an injury, which was later diagnosed as a suspensory ligament problem.

"We sent her to Massey when she arrived home from Christchurch and the vets discovered she had gone in the suspensory - it ended her racing career," said Boon.

"We have already sent her to stud where she will be mated with Volksraad."

Boon and wife Jacqui raced the Deputy Governor-Regal Orphan six-year-old on lease from Wanganui breeder Peter Smith, and during her career she racked up six wins from 26 starts and $141,085 in stakes.

But Boon and training partner Reid are confident Cluden Creek can help make amends with a victory in the Wanganui Cup. The key will be the step up to 2400m.

"It's his fourth start back since winning the Wellington Cup last January, and his fourth last start in similar company over 2100m gave us confidence he was nearing his best again," Boon said.

The stock of Yamanin Vital are noted for growing another leg when stepping up over ground and Cluden Creek is no exception.

David Walker, who rode the six-year-old in the open handicap at the Rangitikei meeting on November 11, has retained the mount.

"His last run and his work since suggests he's over the niggling problems that have dogged him this time in and safely through Saturday he will be aimed at the Waikato Cup [December 11] and then the Auckland Cup on New Year's Day," Boon said.

 

- NZPA