Race favourite Tshiebwe followed a perfect script as he galloped his way into contention for the Gr.3 NZ Campus of Innovation & Sport Wellington Cup (3200m) in January with a strong performance to take out the Listed Steelform Roofing Group Wanganui Cup (2040m) on Saturday.
The Allan Sharrock-trained stayer was having just the third start of his current campaign having opened with a game win over 1600m on his home track at New Plymouth in October, followed by another good showing for third at Waverley a fortnight ago.
Sharrock had the son of Tarzino rock hard fit for his third up run and with a near perfect ride from Sam Collett, the six-year-old gelding proved too good for his rivals as he ran out a three and a half-length winner.
Collett had her mount away nicely from a midfield barrier (9) and sitting outside leader Tobias within 150m of the start.
The pair set up a steady tempo before Collett and Tshiebwe got going at the 700m as Sailor Jack and Enrico swept forward and he rounded the home bend over a length to the good of that pair.
Tshiebwe never looked like faltering as he forged clear before easing close to the post to defeat Enrico and The Odyssey who fought out the minor placings just ahead of Benefactor.
Collett was all smiles as she described the win and the final mark she received from Sharrock for the ride.
“Allan says he doesn’t give out tens’ for rides much but he gave me nine and three quarters, so that is my day made,” Collett said.
“He is obviously a very progressive type of horse that has taken some time to furnish into himself.
“When you see him out here he is still a big rangy boy with plenty more growing to do, so whatever he does now, he is going to improve on and the Wellington Cup will be right up his alley.”
Sharrock was delighted that a planned gear change had worked out well as he looks ahead with his charge.
“A nice horse and I’m thrilled for Deano (McKenzie) in America,” he said.
“He is just a massive, big string bean and he couldn’t walk as a foal as he was so big and gangly.
“His long term plan is the Wellington Cup, so we will see how we go.
“We gave him two soft runs and we put them (blinkers) on today and he was strong the whole way.”
TAB Bookmakers now have Tshiebwe listed as the $7 Fixed Odds favourite for the Wellington Cup that will be run at Trentham on 31 January.
Bred and raced by Sharrock and former TAB Chief Executive Dean McKenzie, who is now based in America, Tshiebwe is out of their No Excuse Needed mare Aint No Lollygagga and from an extended family that includes dual Australian Group One winner Perlin. - LOVERACING.NZ NZ News Desk
