Underrated sprinter The Stoney One picked up a deserved victory when he burst through late in the piece to claim victory in the JR & N Berkett Handicap (1100m) at Trentham.
The Stoney One winning the JR & N Berkett Handicap (1100m) at Trentham on Saturday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North)
Although racing out of his class on a 73 rating against the open sprinters, the Guy Lowry and Leah Zydenbos-prepared six-year-old hasn’t always enjoyed the best of fortune in his career and carrying just 54kgs on his back along with in-form rider Craig Grylls, he looked to be a definite threat in the contest.
Grylls had the son of Pierro relaxed nicely at the rear of the compact nine-horse field, but well within striking range as Amend and Bold Belle set up a strong pace out in front.
Rounding the home bend Grylls was faced with a wall of horses in his face as the field fanned across the track and was in danger of not getting a crack at the leaders. Finding some clear air at the 200m The Stoney One burst through to collar race favourite Fancy Like Lass in the shadows of the post, registering victory by a long neck with Belle’s Echo dashing home late to claim third.
Zydenbos had a pre-race inkling that her charge could play a major role in the finish as his pull in the weights over some of the more fancied runners was a real advantage.
“Craig rode him perfectly, right in behind the pace where he is happy,” Zydenbos said.
“He was out of his grade but with the light weight I knew that might be the edge.
“We will keep finding nice races for him, but as he is just a little horse we wouldn’t like to break his heart, so we will just take it step by step.”
Grylls was pleased with how his mount travelled in the race and was mindful of the advice Zydenbos had given him before start time.
“He didn’t step away that great out of the gates but I still got a nice track into things,” he said.
“Leah did say to me he was best held up and having the last crack at them so it worked out perfect.
“I could see the runs were going to come at the 250m, so well done to the team.”
Raced by Peter Jeffares and Tony Rider, The Stoney One is out of the Charge Forward mare Western Gem who is a half-sister to Australian black type performers Western Empire, Western Jewel and Western Temple.
He was purchased under the Game Lodge banner for $45,000 out of the Book 1 Sale at Karaka in 2020 and has now won four of his 20 starts and over $155,000 in prizemoney. - LOVERACING.NZ News Desk
