Group 3 target for tough southerner Shakti
Shakti turned in a dour performance to win at Wingatui, but trainer Jo-Ann Gordon has her eye on a shorter stakes prize for the eight-year-old.
The son of Duelled was successful for the third time from his last four appearances when he outstayed his rivals to claim the Brocklebanks Dry Cleaners Handicap (2200m).
Apprentice Gosen Jogoo lightened Shakti’s load to 59.5kg and the gelding was gallant in victory, giving the runner-up Tilly Dunnage eight and a-half kilos.
“I’m going to run him in the mile at Christchurch,” Gordon said, referring to the Group 3 Estar Winter Cup (1600m) at Riccarton during the Grand National carnival.
“That’s the long-term aim.”
The winner of nine races, Shakti settled outside the leader and was ready to pounce at the top of the straight. “It was a good ride by Gosen, with that weight we couldn’t afford to get too far back and he got him to settle well,” Gordon said.
Shakti was in front soon after straightening and he stuck to his task admirably in the run to the post to beat Tilly Dunnage by half a-length with the pacemaker Shezatoucha battling on for third.
“He’s a fit horse, he’s been in work for a long time,” Gordon said. “He’s very, very tough.”
Shakti’s success continued a satisfying season for her trainer, who has now produced a personal best of 20 winners this term.