Talented stayer Aljay (NZ) (Rock ‘N’ Pop) indicated he will be a big threat come New Zealand Cup Week, after a comprehensive winning display in the Staphanos Classic (1950m) at Rotorua.
The Kevin Myers-trained seven-year-old was the winner of the Gr.3 Martin Collins New Zealand Cup (3200m) in 2022, and he looks to be on track for a third shot at the iconic Riccarton contest, as demonstrated by his performance on Sunday.
In the hands of apprentice Ngakau Hailey, who decreased his 61kg impost by three-kilograms, Aljay settled near the tail of the compact field, which had plenty of quality including the $2.60 race-favourite Drop Of Something.
Cork and Verry Flash forced the favourite to work early in the contest to reach the pace making position, with Aljay biding his time before making a move to the outside as the field tightened turning for home.
Drop Of Something gave the gelding something to chase in the straight, but Aljay showed a dashing turn of foot to storm over the top in the final strides, the margin just a head at the post.
Hailey, who has now ridden Aljay on three occasions for two wins and a placing in the Listed Rotorua Cup (2200m), was full of praise for the son of Rock ‘N’ Pop.
“I’m very happy,” Hailey said.
“I was struggling to hold my position a bit at the 800, so I pulled him back, Ace (Lawson-Carroll) gave me a drag into the race and he went beautifully.
“He’s got a super turn of foot, push-button to ride and just stays and stays.”
Wanganui-based Myers purchased Aljay for $39,000 at the 2019 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sales, and in his 42-start career, he has won nine races and just shy of $480,000 in stakes earnings.
His dam, Albacora, also produced star jumper Tallyho Twinkletoe, who was a Trans-Tasman Grand National Hurdle and Steeplechase winner through his glittering career.
