Rakamurph – easy pickings

Bruce Stewart Journalist

It was a case of taking the best horse to the front and staying out of trouble and Kite did that to a tee.

Rakamurph warming up for Oliver Kite

“It was a good run and we got away with a bit. He was travelling pretty good coming off the back. It was just going to be a sprint home and I thought he’d be hard to catch.”

Trained by Nathan Williamson at Branxholme, Rakamurph ran home from the 800 in 57.6 – winning easily by two and a half lengths from first starter Saint Lou (Sweet Lou).

Rakamurph winning easily

Winning salute

Winning connections including the wee Murph (front row with cap on)

The win was a relief for the Williamson team because on Cup Day – Sand Wave, Pembrook Playboy and Rakamurph all performed below par. It was discovered they’d caught a bug before they raced.

“They came home and had a bit of time off. In the time off he (Rakamurph) hasn’t coughed. His work during the week had been pretty good so I was confident going into today’s race.”

Earlier on the card Te Anau owner Wayne McEwan and trainer driver Kirstin Green scored a double with Branxholme Lass (Sir Lincoln) and Major Fire (Art Major) with both clearing maiden ranks.

Major Fire winning for Kirstin Barclay

Back to the birdcage

Ascot Park trainer Richard Austin provided the upset of the day when Joanie Magic (Net Ten EOM) got to the front early and held on to win by a length and a half, paying $36 to win.

Upset winner Joanie Magic with Richard Austin