Synthetic flyer Cosentino silenced any doubt about running out the seven furlongs with a blistering performance to claim Sunday’s $100,000 Japac Homes Polytrack Championship (1400m) at Awapuni.
In the care of local trainers Stephen and Kevin Gray, the speedy four-year-old had been near faultless through the winter period on Awapuni’s all-weather surface, recording two victories and a narrow placing to Platinum Designs in as many starts leading into the feature.
Cosentino had to contend with the extreme outside draw in the 12-horse field, but had the luxury of the 54kg minimum, unlike a number of his key rivals including Lhasa (61kg) and Stonybreck (59kg).
In the hands of his regular pilot Bruno Queiroz, the $3.20 favourite caused a bit of interference early when spooking abruptly inwards, but showed an electric dash to power up into the lead. Once there, Cosentino kept up a cracking tempo ahead of Lhasa, and the pair were well clear of the remainder of the field as they turned for home.
Consentino kicked hard off the corner, and while he understandably started to feel the pinch late, the gelding had enough left in store to hold out an ultra-tough Lhasa by a length. Stonybreck was steaming home late to fill the minor placings under Opie Bosson, who made his return to raceday riding at the meeting.
There was plenty of support in the crowd for the winner, but Stephen Gray was near-speechless after a nervous watch on the sidelines.
“At the 600, I was (thinking) christ, steady up Bruno,” he said. “But, the idea was to go forward, and that was pretty impressive.
“I’ve had great experience overseas in poly racing and you’ve got to keep them fresh and sharp, then take them on. That was the plan today, and he was either going to get the 1400 or run second or third.
“I’m an advocate for poly racing, not just because I’m having winners on it, but also because the track is running well, they’re winning from behind, and winning in front. Having a $100,000 race on this track is awesome.
“It’s a great result.”
Queiroz was similarly lost for words, having also won the previous race on the card aboard Cosentino’s stablemate Exaggeration.
“I don’t have words for it at the moment, this horse is very nice and he’s improving every day,” he said. “I’m very happy.
“He was a little scared and went to the inside too quickly, I tried to hold him to the outside again but I got to the first position and he relaxed well in front.
“It has been a great job from my trainer, Stephen Gray, and all the people who work at the farm.”
A son of El Roca and a three-win Per Incanto mare Magico, Cosentino has boosted his earnings above $95,000 with Sunday’s success, with four wins from seven starts. – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk
