Wingatui holds fond memories for trainer Paul Harris and that continued on Tuesday with Goodanya’s (NZ) (Zacinto) come from behind victory in the Grand Casino (1400m).
The eight-year-old gelding settled at the rear of the field for jockey Kate Hercock, who sat patiently on her charge before finding a passage out wide when turning for home and the son of Zacinto was able to gather in his rivals and score a head victory over Adanaya (NZ) (Niagara), much to the delight of Harris.
“He is an old horse, he is eight-years-old, and he is as genuine as the day is long,” Harris said.
“If you had four or five of them you would give the rest away – he just tries.
“He is owned by an incredible group of people and I am just privileged and proud. I am pretty emotional about the win.”
It was the second win in three starts for Goodanya, who had a great run in 2021 for Harris, placing in the Gr.3 White Robe Lodge Weight For Age (1600m), Listed Timaru Stakes (1400m) and Listed Timaru Cup (1400m).
Harris is now hoping Goodanya can return to that stakes form when he heads to Riccarton next week where he will tackle the Gr.3 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile (1600m).
“We have had this horse for four years and I think I have placed him very well (this preparation),” he said.
“Just bring on the Coupland’s Mile. I know the mare of Te Akau’s (It’s Business Time) is pretty smart, but we will be right up its jacksy come race time.
“It is their horse’s (race) to lose and ours to win. I am really confident now. He needed that today and that will top him off nicely for the Coupland’s Mile.”
