Racing: Pike's gamble pays off

Haussmann, centre, responds to the urgings of Vinnie Colgan to beat So Far Sokool at Ellerslie yesterday. Photo / Trish Dunell

Tony Pike's decision to let Haussmann take his place in the listed Great Northern Foal Stakes at Ellerslie proved a wise move.

The Cambridge trainer had major concerns about the heavy going yesterday, but rolled the dice with the youngster in the Graeme Thomson Jeweller-sponsored feature and the son of Pour Moi came up trumps.

"He'd only ever trialled and raced on good or dead ground, but it is a stakes race and it was always going to be his last run for the season," Pike said.

Ridden by Vinnie Colgan, Haussmann was forced to cover extra ground near the back of the field before he circled runners across the top.

The 2-year-old stuck grimly to his task in the straight and, despite not enjoying the footing, he proved superior in the run to the line.

"Vinnie got caught wide and he nursed him through the ground," Pike said.

"He didn't really let down in the ground so it was a good effort and we should have some fun with him as a 3-year-old.

"He's been a work in progress and we've been trying to teach him to relax as he wanted to over-race.

"He'll go out now and we'll have him back for some of those better races in the spring. He should get a strong mile and maybe further."

So Far Sokool made the running and she fought on bravely for second in her final appearance for trainers Peter and Dawn Williams. She has been purchased by OTI Racing in Australia.

Ohceedee finished third ahead of Lily The Pink, who made a promising debut.

- NZ Racing Desk.