It may have taken a little longer than desired, but enigmatic galloper Lanikai finally broke through for his maiden victory at Taupo in the Mort Weber – Good Sorts in Racing (1800m) on Monday bringing a timely pedigree update for his half-sister by Super Seth headed to Karaka Book 1.
The four-year-old son of Ocean Park had shown plenty of promise for trainer Tony Pike, placing in five of his previous 14 starts, but was testing the patience of his group of owners, which includes leading thoroughbred nurseries Haunui Farm and Waikato Stud.
However, Pike reassured the group of his ability, and they were rewarded for their faith on Monday with his maiden win.
“(He has) a very patient group of stable owners,” Pike said. “It is a great group of owners who have had a lot of success.
“They wanted to move this one on a while ago, but I said to hold onto him and that we will get there eventually. Hopefully they will be well rewarded going forward.”
Lanikai was given an economical trip midfield and was presented at the perfect time by jockey Ryan Elliot to produce his winning run with 500m to go, and went on to score a length victory over Mohi Place, much to the delight of Pike.
“He (Elliot) gave him a lovely trip,” Pike said. “He (Lanikai) is still arms and legs, he doesn’t help himself, he doesn’t know what he is doing, but hopefully the penny drops after today.
“He is a big-actioned horse and probably struggled around the tight Taupo circuit, but he got the job done.
“He will get a bit of confidence out of that win, he is a talented horse, he just needs to improve his racing manners a touch and hopefully he continues through the grades.”
Elliot was pleased with the win and said further wins are instore for the four-year-old if his racing manners continue to improve.
“The race mapped out perfectly for him,” Elliot said. “He just had to get out and rolling, he is quite a big striding horse. When the rub of the green goes his way, he is a very nice horse.
“He has got a few tricks up his sleeve, but as long as he progresses, he will get another couple of wins.”
A $165,000 Karaka Book 1 purchase from Waikato Stud, Lanikai is the third winner from unraced O'Reilly mare Oahu, who has a yearling filly by Super Seth that will be offered at K1 2025 by Waikato Stud as Lot 155. – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk
