Tyler’s team hit form at right time
Kelvin Tyler’s hopes of a second Group success during the Grand National carnival at Riccarton have been boosted.
The Riverton trainer had three representatives in the main event at Ashburton on Wednesday and they dominated the finish as the trio furthered their path to the Group 3 Winter Cup (1600m) on August 4.
Flying Sardine won the RD Petroleum Winter Cup Trial (1400m) with stablemates Timy Tyler, who won the Cup at Riccarton in 2015, and Lochan Ora third and fourth respectively with Bevan Wilson’s Zawhip spoiling the clean sweep with his effort for second.
“I’m pretty pleased, they’ll all got on to the Winter Cup,” Tyler said.
“I couldn’t fault Flying Sardine’s work and I don’t think I’ve had a horse with such willpower to win.”
By Flying Spur, Flying Sardine had won twice in May before she was out of the money behind the Group 1 winner Nashville at Riccarton last month.
“It was just too heavy for her last time,” Tyler said.
“She came in at the weights today really well and she prefers a better track.” The run of Lochan Ora was a brave one after he was a clear last out of the gates.