Racing: Southern raiders quinella feature

Tyler is keen on a start in the Gr. 3 Winter Cup at Riccarton on August 1 for his charge who is 32nd on the list of entries for the event although that position will change. Photo / Thinkstock

Bragging rights in the feature event at Riccarton yesterday went to a pair of Riverton trained runners who provided the quinella in the Greenwood Amberley Cup (1600m).

Consistent galloper Timy Tyler capped a run of minor placings with a hard-fought victory as he staved off Comanche Gold in a slogging finish. Wingatui galloper Hexie Hao grabbed third from Electronic Motion who was the best of the local Canterbury contingent in fourth.

For trainer Kelvin Tyler the win was doubly special as he is also the owner of the 4-year-old son of No Excuse Needed who he bought from the Festival session of the 2012 National Yearling Sale for just $3000.

"He's still quite green and has some maturing to do but he's tough and he likes a fight which he showed today when they were coming down the straight."

Tyler admitted he was confident after the gelding had impressed in his trackwork.

"He has just kept improving all the way through so I'm hopeful he can continue that way as we look ahead with him."

Tyler is keen on a start in the Gr. 3 Winter Cup at Riccarton on August 1 for his charge who is 32nd on the list of entries for the event although that position will change.

And the delight of Ashburton trainer Jan Hay was obvious after her handy winter galloper Jack's Run

won the Sonia & Garry Thompson sponsored open 1200 metre event.

Jack's Run was expected by many to play second fiddle to hot favourite Super Trouper. In the early stages of the contest that's exactly how it played out with rider Toni Direen stalking the favourite who set a comfortable pace throughout.

As Super Trouper was being taken wide in search of better footing early in the run home, Direen snuck her charge through on the inner to issue a stern challenge. As the pair set down to fight out the finish Jack's Run gained an all important length advantage which he maintained to the line to score in 1.14.28 for the 1200 metre journey.

It was the fifth career success for the 5-year-old gelding who did his early racing from the Cambridge stable of Roger James before transferring to Hay 18 months ago. The win also extended his record on heavy tracks where he has never finished out of placings in six starts including three winning performances.

"He's such an honest horse and we are just delighted with the win today," said Hay.

Hay was a little concerned in the early stages of the contest when the gelding was tardily away but had plenty of praise for the ride of Direen.

Hay is eyeing an open 1400 metre event on her home track on July 3 as the next assignment for the son of One Cool Cat although she has no further plans beyond that at this stage.

- NZ Racing Desk