There are no certainties in racing, but when Scotty MacNab and Kevin Myers combine in the Flair Amateur Riders Series, the result is often similar to what unfolded at Trentham on Saturday in the Fusion Electrical 2100.
A five-time winner of the annual series, MacNab had accumulated 18 victories aboard Myers’ runners and was poised to add to that tally with capable galloper So Call Me (NZ) (Sweynesse), who closed a $6 third-favourite behind King Khan ($2.60) and Kahu Rock ($4.20).
The experienced hoop found his positioning early aboard the son of Sweynesse, settling in behind the speed set by Kahu Rock which strung out the 10-horse field along the back-straight.
MacNab kept the pacemaker within reach and allowed So Call Me to slide into contention turning for home, hugging the rail and kicking away from Kahu Rock comfortably at the finish to score by 2 ¾ lengths.
After the race, MacNab expressed his gratitude for Myers in his usual humorous style.
“I’m just spoiled, it’s nothing to do with how good you ride, it’s just how spoilt you get (with horses),” MacNab said.
“I got to the rail and he was going nicely so I just decided to stay there. If anything, I thought they were going a bit slow, I would’ve preferred they go a bit quicker but I had plenty left coming to the corner so I thought I was going to be alright.
“I wanted to beat Sammy (Sameer Mohammed, jockey of Kahu Rock) because it’s his last race, so I had to beat him.
“I don’t need to win the series again as I’ve won it a few times, I’m just thankful to everyone that gives me the rides.”
The victory was So Call Me’s fifth from 26 starts, earning $84,512 for the Eternal Optimists Syndicate and Myers. The Wanganui trainer purchased him as a yearling for $18,000 at the 2019 National Yearling Sales out of Sedgmere Farm’s draft.
The successful stable also took out the Jennian Homes Maiden Hurdle (2800m) earlier in the day courtesy of Rocabury (NZ) (El Roca), who was patiently handled by Dean Parker out in front before staving off a strong challenge by race-favourite Zeefa Zed.
Formerly trained by co-owner Bruce Harvey, the son of El Roca was transferred to Myers’ Wanganui stable this year and was on debut over fences, bringing up his fourth win from 32 starts.
