Speedy mare Volks Lightning more than made up for missing a start in last weekend’s Gr. 1 Telegraph at Trentham when she bolted home to collect a consolation prize at the same venue today.
Although taking on substantially lesser company in the New World Stokes Valley rating 85 1200 metre contest, the manner in which the Volksraad four-year-old disposed of her seven rivals suggested that had she gained a start last weekend she could have well featured prominently in the elite event.
Settled beautifully in the trail after bouncing smartly from the barrier, the mare enjoyed a cushy run before rider Leith Innes eased her into a gap along the rails at the top of the Trentham straight. The mare quickly strode to the front and despite carrying a hefty 59kg impost she strode clear to win comfortably by over a length at the line.
The victory earned Innes and trainers Graeme & Debbie Rogerson an early double after they combined to land promising two-year-old filly Santuzza an easy winner over 1000 metres in the previous event. On hand to greet her charge as she returned to the birdcage, co-trainer Debbie Rogerson refused to dwell on what might have been in the Telegraph when questioned after the victory.
“You never look back in this game,” she noted.
“She’s been a hard mare to manage as she has had a lot of problems with her feet but all the hard work we have put into her is paying off now.
“She will now go to Ellerslie on Derby day for the Group Three (Darley Plate) sprint that day.”
Rider Leith Innes was delighted with the performance and indicated he believed she would prove competitive at the highest level.
“She did really well today off a nice run in behind them and put them away with ease,” he said.
“After I won on her last time I said she should back up in the Telegraph if she can get in. That didn’t happen but I think she has a good race in her.”
Volks Lightning races in the Vermair Racing colours of former New Zealand cricket captain Brendon McCullum who purchased her for $60,000 at the 2014 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run sale. Rogerson indicated McCullum was back at Karaka looking at horses in preparation for next week’s annual Yearling Sale series.
“Brendon is up at Karaka today looking at yearlings,” she said.
“I hope he finds a nice filly for me!” – NZ Racing Desk
Photo by Race Images
