Big striding Kacchi on track for Avondale Cup
THE Avondale Cup is a possible target for Kacchi, which won the Real Time Accounting R65 at Ellerslie on Saturday.
A big striding four-year-old mare, Kacchi entered the race as the well-backed $3.40 favourite with Neds.com.au after a significant bet was placed, and it got the job done close to the line.
Jockey Danielle Johnson got the best out of the daughter of Showcasing, which could take on some of New Zealand’s best stayers in the Avondale Cup later this summer.
“She was unlucky last time, so we nominated for the Avondale Cup,” said co-trainer Chris Gibbs. “I know it’s a big call, but we have a huge opinion of her.
“We said to Shelly and Mark (Treweek, owners) that she’ll have to win today and win her next start, but I thought if she’d win today she’d win next up.”
Formerly with Peter and Dawn Williams at Byerley Park, the quality type has found a new home at Ruakaka and it looks a progressive type.
“She’s a beautiful mare and is lovely to deal with,” said Gibbs, who was a touch concerned when it got further back in the running than expected. “I was a little worried and then she really started to find the line with clear running.
“She’s got such a huge stride.”
Gibbs was also pleased to see Danielle Johnson stay on board after jumping off stablemate Magic Chai in the previous race.
“Danielle did a good job and she didn’t jump off either which was a bonus,” he quipped.
Magic Chai was declared a non-runner in the Dunstan Feed Qualifier, but Johnson was quickly back in the winning groove at Ellerslie.
“I’ve got mixed emotions,” she said. “I jumped off the last one and won prior to that.
“I didn’t think it was ideal not having a bridle on going around, so I thought I might try being superman.”
Johnson had only positive things to say about Kacchi, which landed a $10,000 bet with bookmakers.
“She’s going to keep getting better once she gets over more ground,” Johnson said.
“She got back a bit, but I got the splits I needed to so we needed some luck.
“I think she’s a class above them the way she won today and there’s more in line for her.”