Hunta Pence Wins Manawatu Cup in a Thriller

Media Release - Saturday December 19

Hastings visitor Hunta Pence overcame his apparent dislike of the Awapuni track to register his biggest career victory when he took out the Group III Bramco Granite and Marble Manawatu Cup (2300m) in a desperate finish on Saturday.

Hunta Pence (outer) and Dolcetto battle out the finish of the G3 Manawatu Cup (2300m) Photo: Race Images – Peter Rubery

The Patrick Campbell-trained eight-year-old had failed to finish in a dividend bearing placing in ten previous trips to the Palmerston North circuit, including fifth place finishes in the two previous editions of the staying feature.

A last-start winner of the Listed Wanganui Cup (2040m) last month, Hunta Pence was overlooked by many before Saturday’s contest but a masterly ride by experienced jockey Darryl Bradley saw him land the thick end of the prize by a bare nose from fellow veteran Dolcetto after the pair waged war in the concluding stages.

Bradley had Hunta Pence travelling sweetly throughout but looked to be running for a minor placing when Dolcetto tackled pacemaker Camino Rocoso with 200m to run.

Bradley never gave up on Hunta Pence who lifted strongly in the last few strides to poke his nose in front right on the line from a gallant Dolcetto, with Camino Rocoso clinging to third ahead of Sir Nate and Felaar.

Campbell had been confident of a good showing as his charge had thrived following his last start victory but was still in doubt as to whether a hard run 2300m would suit.

“I’ve always thought he was best at around 2000m as a couple of times when he has stepped up to 2200m and further he has just been found wanting in the last 200m,” he said.

“That happened in this race twice and also in the Hawkes Bay Cup but leading in to today I couldn’t fault him as he has just thrived since Wanganui.

“I think he got a decent shot of confidence out of that win and I was expecting a good run today as long as Darryl could get cover, hold him up and have one shot at them.

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“He did it perfectly and he really dug in over the last few strides and put his head in front where it counts.”

Campbell will let the dust settle after the win, with Hunta Pence likely to have a week in the paddock before returning for a shot at further stakes glory at Trentham.

“He can have a week off as that was a tough run,” he said.

“I haven’t really looked around that much, but I think there is a race at Trentham he is suited for.

“The Trentham Stakes (Gr.3, 2100m) on the first day of their carnival is run at set weights and penalties, so I will have a look how he comes into that race under those conditions and if it is suitable then that is what we will aim for.”

With his victory Hunta Pence has now win ten of his 55 career starts and over $250,000 in prizemoney.

The win was also the first in a race to race double for Bradley who took out the last event on the card aboard Podkast. – NZ Racing Desk

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Race Result - Bramco Granite Manawatu Cup Gr3 2300m

Awapuni Track: Dead(4) Time: 2:21.82
1
Hunta Pence
- 8g No Excuse Needed (GB) x Vanitas (NZ) (Pins (AUS))
Tnr: F P Campbell Rdr: D G Bradley 54
2
0.1
Dolcetto
- 8g Per Incanto (USA) x Our Shiraz (NZ) (Nediym (IRE))
Tnr: Ms S Kay Rdr: J K Riddell 60
3
1.1
Camino Rocoso
- 7g Shocking (AUS) x Our Centasea (AUS) (Centaine (AUS))
Tnr: J & K Parsons Rdr: C W Johnson 56.5
4
1.2
Sir Nate
- 5g Nadeem (AUS) x Just Diamonds (NZ) (No Excuse Needed (GB))
Tnr: Ms L Latta Rdr: A C Goindasamy 53
5
1.4
Felaar
- 7g Ekraar (USA) x Felt That (NZ) (Faltaat (USA))
Tnr: S B Marsh Rdr: L J Allpress 53
6
1.9
Star Tsar
- 5g Fastnet Rock (AUS) x Zarzuela (NZ) (Zabeel (NZ))
Tnr: M Baker & A Forsman Rdr: M Cameron 53
7
2.9
Platinum Invador
- 5g Redwood (GB) x Atomic Dancer (AUS) (Danehill Dancer (IRE))
Tnr: Ms L Latta Rdr: R T Elliot 56
8
3.4
Platinum Rapper
- 5m Makfi (GB) x Wednesday Rocks (NZ) (Encosta De Lago (AUS))
Tnr: Ms L Latta Rdr: L T Hemi 53
9
3.6
Jacksstar
- 9g Zed (NZ) x Star Guest (NZ) (Pentire (GB))
Tnr: G R Vile Rdr: M Mudhoo 53
10
5.1
Nymph Monte
- 9g Tavistock (NZ) x Grove Nymph (NZ) (Grosvenor (NZ))
Tnr: G N Nicholson Rdr: S J Macnab 53
11
5.3
London Banker
- 5g Tavistock (NZ) x Palos De Lago (NZ) (Encosta De Lago (AUS))
Tnr: R James & R Wellwood Rdr: S M Mc Kay 53
12
6.3
Voler Pour Moi
- 7m Pour Moi (IRE) x Tin Goose (NZ) (Pentire (GB))
Tnr: L O'Sullivan & A Scott Rdr: T Yanagida 53
13
8.1
Za Za Gabor
- 6m O'Reilly (NZ) x Zaza Top (GER) (Lomitas (GB))
Tnr: M Moroney & P Gerard Rdr: T K Allan 53
14
11.4
Duplicity
- 8g Duporth (AUS) x Bidthemobgooday (AUS) (Reset (AUS))
Tnr: A J Meadows Rdr: D A Hirini 53
15
11.8
Master Fin
- 9g Nom Du Jeu (NZ) x Cloverlee (NZ) (Traditionally (USA))
Tnr: M K Oulaghan Rdr: T L Taiaroa 53
16
14.6
Awesome Al
- 7m Alamosa (NZ) x Awesome (NZ) (High Chaparral (IRE))
Tnr: B R Lammas Rdr: R J Aukett 53
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