Racing: NZ Cup defence kicks off

Monkey King. Photo / Supplied

Monkey King is on target to win the New Zealand Cup for the third successive year after an impressive fresh-up win in the Hannon Memorial Free-For-All at Oamaru yesterday.

"He is not back to his best yet but he is not far away," his driver, Ricky May, said after Monkey King eclipsed 13 rivals.

The 9-year-old Monkey King, who had not raced for four months, improved from back in the field to lead at the 1300m and won by 1 lengths, to give May his sixth win in the Hannon Memorial.

May drove Baileys Dream to win in 2007 for Robert Famularo, the owner of Monkey King. Baileys Dream was trained by Steven Reid. The Famularo-owned horses are now trained by Brendon Hill at Kaiapoi.

May has also won the Hannon with Panky's Pacer (2002), Iraklis (1997 and 1998) and Inky Lord (1989). Iraklis and Inky Lord both won the New Zealand Cup.

Monkey King ran the 2600m yesterday in 3:15.7, which compared with the race and track record of 3.13.4 set by Cullen's Creek last year.

Monkey King ran his last 800m in 56.7 and 400 in 27.9.

"I couldn't be more happy with him. He is a different horse this time in. I just don't know what went wrong with him in the autumn," May said.

Power Of Tara, a stablemate of Monkey King, started favourite yesterday but dropped out to ninth after being prominent at the 800m.

Second Wind, who had not raced for 10 months, ran on for second after trailing close to the pace. He finished 1 lengths clear of of Rangataua Ray, who led out then trailed when Monkey King went to the front.

Franco Emirate and Smiling Shard, Cup candidates, are progressing well for a return to resume racing after workout wins on Saturday.

Franco Emirate recorded 3:19.1 for 2600m after starting from 70m at Motukarara. He won by two lengths from Call Me Danny with a length to the other runner, Indrah. Trainer Jim Curtin said he was pleased with the effort and that Franco Emirate wold resume at Addington on September 30.

Smiling Shard ran 3:25.6, the last 800m in 56.9 at Rangiora after starting from 40m. He won by half a head from My Man Dan. Smiling Shard is due to resume at Addington on October 14.