Jon Wick all action at Ruakaka
Leading apprentice Sam Weatherley made the best possible start to his last day of riding in New Zealand for the time being when he guided Jon Wick to an all-the-way win over 1200m in the opening event at Ruakaka.
Weatherley, who is about to embark on a three-month stint with leading trainer Chris Waller in Sydney, was having his first raceday ride aboard the Thewayyouare two-year-old gelding although he had guided him to a comprehensive trial win at Cambridge back in May.
Bounced straight to the front from an inside barrier, Jon Wick travelled comfortably within himself despite being niggled at by the well-supported Rocket Fuel.
The pair skipped clear of their rivals around the home turn with Weatherley driving his mount to a clear advantage which he maintained in a strong gallop to the line.
Trainer Shaune Ritchie cut a relieved figure after the race as his charge finally delivered on the promise he had shown on the training track.
“That’s the horse that presents himself in trackwork,” he said.
“I still maintain he might be a bit of a sook as when he gets covered up he doesn’t like it much.
“Free-rolling in front, he’s shown what he’s got.”
Ritchie was delighted by the initiative shown by Weatherley once the horse had broken well from the barriers and with the way his charge handled the improved track conditions on offer on the sand-based Ruakaka surface.
“When Rocket Fuel had a crack at him I thought he might take a sit,” he said.
“Sam’s done the right thing as the horse is certainly braver when he’s on the rail.
“I don’t think he’s a duffer in the wet but now that he’s performed on top of the ground I think it would be foolish to go back.”
Jon Wick is out of the talented racemare Casabella Lane who numbered the Group 2 Japan NZ Trophy (1600m) amongst her six career victories.