Impending rain had Stephen Nickalls questioning whether to start Chase (NZ) (Zed) in last Saturday’s Gr.3 Metric Mile (1600m) at Wanganui, but the honest galloper looked more than comfortable in the conditions, just falling short to Jay Bee Gee (NZ) (Complacent) in the feature.
The son of Zed has been Group One-placed on two occasions at a mile but started in the contest as the $18.80 outsider, with Jay Bee Gee on top at $3.60. As the favourite dictated terms in front, Chase sat midfield under regular rider Kate Hercock and following his usual pattern, looked to be under pressure at the 800m.
As he typically does, Chase picked up turning for home and led the charge to hunt down Jay Bee Gee, eventually getting within 1-¾ lengths at the post in a meritorious performance.
Stephen Nickalls, who trains and part-owns the eight-year-old, couldn’t have been more pleased with the effort.
“We were actually tempted to scratch on the morning of the race, just given the rain around and you’re never quite sure with Wanganui how deep and heavy the track will get,” he said.
“He went fantastic and Kate gave him a lovely ride, he’s the kind of horse who tends to hit a flat spot but she knows him so well now that she won’t give up on him.
“As they straightened, he really picked up and ran home super well, we were very happy with him.”
As of Monday morning, Chase remains in the nominations for the Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) this Saturday, but Nickalls may wait on other options unless conditions soften at Hawke’s Bay.
“We left him in the Group One nominations with the hope that the rain was going to arrive and give us a track that may slow some of the faster ones down, but it looks to be pretty good sunshine over there,” he said.
“He went a super race on the first day, but in that firm track, they just tend to sprint away from him a little bit.
“Unless the heavens opened up over there, I probably won’t go.
“The hard thing then is where to go next with him, there’s the Matamata Cup (Listed, 1600m) in a couple of weeks up there which could be an option, but we haven’t really made too many plans for him yet.”
Nickalls has also contemplated an attempt over 2000m this season for Chase, but based on past performances, is unsure whether to take the gamble again.
“He’s a funny horse because he’s had five tries over 2000m and been honest, but not performed as strongly as he does at a mile, so we’ll just keep him where he’s happy and firing,” he said.
“I said the same thing to Kate that he looks like he would love that distance, he drops the bit and relaxes so well.
“We’re having a lot of fun with him wherever we go, you’d just want another 100 horses like him in the stable. He’s just so genuine and tries every time, which is all you can ask for in a racehorse.”
