The connections of Gingernuts are going to have
to speculate to accumulate if they are to fully cash in on the three-year-old's
form.
The son of Iffraaj (GB) doesn't currently feature among the entries for the Gr.1
Vodafone New Zealand Derby, but he produced a compelling argument at Ellerslie
on Saturday for his inclusion.
Gingernuts bombed the start of the Gr.2 Retina Specialists Avondale Guineas and
then had the audacity to come from last for a hollow victory in a 2100 metre
event that has historically proved an outstanding classic guide.
"He's not in the Derby so we're going to have to sit down with the owners and I
would say that a late nomination will be going in on Tuesday - that was quite a serious win," said Jamie
Richards, who trains in partnership with Stephen Autridge.
The previous winner of two races up to a mile, Gingernuts was aided by a fine
ride from Johnathan Parkes, who saved every inch of ground after he had blown
the start by lengths.
"It was devastating to see him miss the kick like that, but in fairness
Johnathan took his time and the horse probably isn't good enough to go around
the field so he took all the short cuts.
"It was a serious step up for the horse and we wanted to give him his chance.
He looks like a real stayer in the making – he's out of a Generous mare."
His mother Double Elle won five races and her son was originally bought as a
weanling for $5000 by central districts agent Phill Cataldo, who was also
responsible for the purchase of the recent Gr.2 Waikato Guineas winner
Wyndspelle for $75,000.
The 47th stakes-winner for Iffraaj, Gingernuts subsequently realised $42,500 at the Ready to Run Sale where he was
secured by Te Akau principal David Ellis.
Charles Road did his Derby prospects no harm with a solid run for second and
neither did Mongolian Wolf, who took third off the pacemaker Redeem The Dream. – NZ
Racing Desk.