Sterling Express continues winning form at Ellerslie

Progressive galloper Sterling Express made it a winning double at Ellerslie to open his current campaign when he took full advantage of a superb Warren Kennedy rails-hugging ride to capture the Network Visuals (1400m).

The four-year-old gelding had suggested he was reaching a new peak in this preparation after he dashed clear first up at the venue in open-class company over 1200m.

Up to a more favoured 1400m trip on Saturday, the son of Shamexpress was one of the main chances in a very even contest that saw three-year-old Whiskey ‘N Roses start the $3.10 favourite with Sterling Express at $6.20 with horse racing bookmakers.

Outsider Billy Lincoln set up a steady pace in front with Kennedy comfortable settling Sterling Express three back against the rail, although that position started to look increasingly precarious as runners swept around him wide out to make their challenges early in the run home.

Kennedy didn’t panic and when Billy Lincoln rolled off the fence at the 150m he had his mount through in a flash to dash away from a game Imprevu, who fought hard in the middle of the track for second, with Sinhaman snatching third off Dusty Road at the line.

Brosnan had been confident of a good showing before the race after the improvement his charge had shown since his first-up performance, although he had his concerns when the horse was bottled up against the fence with nowhere to go.

“I was worried but he (Kennedy) got him through,” Brosnan said.

“He has got a lot stronger and has improved mentally so he was a lot better today, so onwards and upwards I hope.

“It wasn’t a surprise today as he has been working really well, although he is going to be awkward to place as he doesn’t handle the very heavy tracks we are likely to get.
“The Opunake Cup (Listed, 1400m) is something I’m thinking of, but we will wait and see.”

Kennedy was also full of praise for the effort of his mount, who he believes has untapped potential.

“I know he has a great turn of foot about him, but if you had asked me at the 400m if I would be first past the post I couldn’t have said yes as there was just nowhere to go with him,” he said.

“Fortunately, half a gap opened and I had so much horse under me he was able to scoot through and win.

“It was a really great win from a horse going places.”

The race was also one of the first qualifying events for the Whangārei Racing Club’s ITM/GIB sponsored 2025 Winter Championships series which concludes with finals day at Ruakaka on June 28.

The series will feature five $60,000 finals on the day with results from the qualifying events dictating the final field in each of the five finals.

Brosnan may well be looking to go one better in 2025 with Sterling Express who finished runner-up behind Tide And Time in the 2024 Three-Year-Old Winter Championship Final (1600m).

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