What a race that Howden Mile was on Saturday. It wasn’t until they showed that photo that we knew who won. Tuxedo was the run of the race though. Being three wide in the open at the back with the pace on, then to close hard to lose in a bobbing finish, was an amazing effort. He is now a justified $2.50 favourite for the Livamol.
It’s a shame they didn’t get the start of the race correct in his race. The gates were well ahead of where the gates have been in previous years when the rail is true. Compare the May 21 2026 1600m start when the rail was true, to Saturday’s and you will see the difference. It shouldn’t happen in Group 1 events. (Use the stipes video to see the side on view.) The official time was 1.34.51 for the 1600 with an opening 400 of 23.31 which is lightening fast, but given that gates were about a full second in front of where they were, that explains it.
Isn’t that Pride Of Jenni one gutsy front runner. She looked in trouble on the turn but found the extra in the last 200 to draw away. And Jimmystar was amazing coming from last, the way he likes to be ridden. And the blinkers going on for the first time, certainly helped. He is going to be starter in the Everest I see. They would have to go a record first 600m or close to it, for him to have a chance of beating Ka Ying Rising though.
We have some good racing in the North Island this week with Cambridge tomorrow, Matamata and Hawera Saturday some excellent Australian races thrown in. I’ll have the preview of Cambridge up by tomorrow 9 am.
