The Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman stable's four-pronged attack on Saturday's Group III Higgins Concrete Manawatu Classic (2000m) at Awapuni paid a handsome dividend when they emerged with the quinella in the event.
Punters were of the opinion that the
Cambridge operation would provide the winner of the race as they installed
royally-bred Tavistock filly Spring Delight as favourite ahead of her
stablemate, The Chosen One.
As it panned out that judgement proved spot on with Spring Delight hitting the front halfway down the Awapuni straight before succumbing to the powerful late burst of The Chosen One who finished strongly from a mid-field position in the hands of rider Troy Harris.
The Chosen One was having his first start since copping a battering during the running of the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m), with the performance giving his connections food for thought about a lightning raid across the Tasman to contest next weekend's Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m) at Royal Randwick.
"We will have to have a think about that (contesting the Australian Derby)," Murray Baker said.
"If he was to go to Randwick, we would have to fly him over on Tuesday.
"I was confident of a big run today (though).
"I thought they all had a show as they were fit horses and had run well with their previous form.
"It's always good to come back and race (and win) here."
Baker was also delighted with the performance of Spring Delight who was backing up from an impressive victory against the older horses over 2100m at Tauranga last weekend.
"She (Spring Delight) had won well at her last start," he said.
"She had a good draw and got a nice run.
"It was a good effort, especially for a filly.
"We'll have to have a think about where we go next with her."
Owned by a large group that includes his breeders, Joe, Martin, Ray and Tony Dennis, The Chosen One is by Savabeel and is the first foal of outstanding South Island racemare, The Glitzy One, who won eight races and was stakes placed on multiple occasions. – NZ Racing Desk
