Gritty performer Taurus booked his ticket to Taranaki and the rich Listed Waikato Stud Opunake Cup in a fortnight when he overcame a small but handy field in the Midwest Disposals Handicap (1400) at Awapuni yesterday.
Given a brief freshen up after finishing in the placings in stakes company at his last three starts, Taurus was on trial for a trip to New Plymouth for his third attempt at the Opunake Cup; a Listed event where he finished sixth last year after being narrowly beaten in 2013.
Rider Jonathan Riddell had the rising 7-year-old gelding stalking the speed in the early stages of yesterday's contest before taking over out wide as the field of six swung for home.
Despite being a sitting duck for his rivals to gun down, Taurus found plenty to hold out the challenges of Marotiri Miss and Authentic Paddy to record a comprehensive three length victory.
The win was the 8th of the gelding's 44 start career and nudged his earnings over the $200,000 mark, much to the delight of co-trainer JJ Rayner.
