Racing: Punters faith repaid

Climbing high was in ruthless form at Hastings yesterday powering to an effortless victory in the Hawke's Bay Steeplechase.

The 7-year-old did not help himself in his last start when he jumped poorly at two fences and came in second in a photo finish in the McGregor Grant Steeplechase at Ellerslie.

He was favourite at Ellerslie and punters stayed with him again yesterday.

Climbing High jumped more fluently on the left-handed Hastings track and showed superior speed on the flat powering to an easy victory over Triple Pan and Mikemendaad (third).

Since Te Awamutu trainers Bill and Mark Weal decided to switch Climbing High to steeplechase racing the form line has been impressive - three wins and one minor placing - from five starts.

The lengthy road trip from Te Awamutu to Hastings for the Weals - whose only runner was Climbing High - would have been that much more enjoyable following the victory.

NEW PLYMOUTH trainer John Wheeler unleashed his next group of winter jumps racing stars when Bennyosler and Vanak scored impressive victories.

As well, the Wheeler-trained Gusher posted a notable win on the flat.

Wheeler is one trainer worth following during the winter racing period and there was much to admire in the way that Bennyosler grabbed victory in the $33,500 Hawke's Bay Hurdles.

The 7-year-old was within striking distance of the leaders all the way. When it mattered in the feature hurdle event he strode to a length victory over Birchwood Run with a further 4 lengths back to High Season (third).

Wheeler is a master at conditioning and having his charges at peak form for feature race days.

Bennyosler finished second in his last start behind Birchwood Run and reversed that result close to the line yesterday.

MICHAEL COLEMAN was the jockey worth following at Avondale yesterday, winning four races.

Cambridge trainers Murray and Bjorn Baker provided two of those wins with Hurricane Mickey and Carib. Coleman's other wins came courtesy of Direct Dash, trained by Andrew Scott at Matamata and Netravati (Don Dwyer, Byerley Park).

Sam Spratt scored a winning double behind Throw A Paddy and Goji Kid taking her total to 108 for the season - three behind - premiership leader James McDonald (111).

MARK WALKER continued his domination of the New Zealand trainer's premiership registering 101 wins for the season when De Lago Dancer scored at Hastings.

Breaking records has been a regular occurrence for Walker as he powers to his fourth training premiership victory in six years.