Intransigent regains top form

Intransigent is the perfect example of why trainers should not switch jockeys around on horses too often, rider David Walsh says.

He believes it was a major ingredient in Intransigent's win in the $40,000 Amcor Kiwifruit Cup at Tauranga on Saturday.

"These days, horses can win when perhaps one element in a race is against them, but not more. A lot of horses can win only when everything is in place.

"When horses have four or five things against them in a race they have no hope."

Walsh says everything fell into place for Intransigent this time, including the fact that he knows the talented stayer well.

"I'd done my homework and determined he could win through the ground on the inside. Another huge factor was that with a decent topweight [Indikator] in the race this time, his weight had been compressed down to 53kg.

"In the Central Districts the overall class has not been great in the open handicaps and this bloke has had to carry bigger weights. This was much better for him."

Intransigent has not been easy to work out mentally for Walsh and Waipukurau part-owner and trainer Kirsty Lawrence.

"He's still got a few little quirks and sometimes he surprises you, but he's pretty good."

Lawrence was in a fair bit of pain before the win and she almost certainly was, but it wasn't obvious after the race.

Her saddle slipped during a gallop on Intransigent's sister on Saturday morning, dislocating her knee and ripping ligaments.