KEY POINTS:
Michael Walker has been the dominant jockey in New Zealand racing this season and that predatory smile and self-confidence was rewarded with Group One winning glory at Riccarton yesterday.
When Walker is fully focused on his profession there isn't a better horseman in New Zealand racing.
The front-running
riding skills of Walker were demonstrated in the $325,000 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas when he rated Insouciant to perfection scoring an effortless 1 1/4 length victory.
Keepa Cruisin secured second place courtesy of the Judicial Control Authority ahead of the favourite, Lovetrista, who was relegated to third.
Lovetrista ducked inwards in the home straight and interfered with Keepa Cruisin. The favourite appeared to have every chance although a slow early pace did not do her any favours.
Walker stole this Group One race from rival jockeys slowing down the early speed in front and then outsprinting the opposition over the closing 600m.
Walker and Issouciant were beaten in their last start when given a tough time in front at Trentham and battling into second place behind Anna Bek.
This combination were given an easier time over 1600m yesterday and the opposition suffered the consequences with the daughter of Keeper outsprinting her fellow fillies.
"We decided to lead and I was able to put the pressure on them a long way out. She was travelling strongly over that last furlong," said Walker.
There was more than a little irony about the result as the winner is owned by leading thoroughbred breeders Peter and Philip Vela, who also own the sponsoring company New Zealand Bloodstock.
The victory also continued a dream season for New Zealand's leading trainer Mark Walker.
"It was a great team effort getting this filly up to win this race today.
In Wellington in her last start we led but things didn't get run how we wanted them. After losing the Mackinnon Stakes last Saturday with Princess Coup it's quite satisfying picking up a Group One race back here in New Zealand," Mark Walker said.
In the opening stages of the race, two horses, Oxford Aunt and Emily Jane, fell. Oxford Aunt appeared to clip the heels of another runner while Emily Jane was brought down.
Oxford Aunt's rider Chris Johnson was stood down from further riding during the day. Emily Jane's jockey Bruce Herd came through uninjured and rode Hastings galloper No Cash to win the following event.
* The wait has been worthwhile for the connections of the impressive winner of the Metropolitan Trophy Handicap, Capecover.
The 5-year-old has been patiently handled by well-known Wanganui-based trainer Alexander Fieldes.
The impressive finishing burst recorded yesterday underlines the gelding as one of the leading chances in next Saturday's $220,000 New Zealand Cup.
With four wins from his last six starts, Capecover has fit form at the right time of the year for Fieldes.