Bergerson upbeat after stakes success

13 February 2015

The smile was back on Roydon Bergerson’s face at Tauherenikau on Friday following the return to winning form of Pins galloper Tie Me Down.

The Awapuni trainer had been frustrated by the mare’s unplaced effort in the Listed Anniversary Handicap, but he was in high spirits following her victory in the Listed Pioneer Finance Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes.

“I was very disappointed at Trentham and I was scratching my head,” Bergerson said.

“She did jar up a bit and was in season, but that’s all forgotten now.”

Tie Me Down led the charge after the runaway leader across the top and, after hitting the front halfway down the straight, she held a strong gallop for her maiden black type success.

“She’s got to be out and rolling as she’s a big mare,” Bergerson said. “I was very happy to see Kelly (Myers) get her into the open and I was happy with the pace.

“She was going as good as anything on the turn and it was a strong win.”

Tie Me Down has now won five of her seven starts in the colours of Little Avondale Stud.

Northern visitor Arrow In The Sand got home late from the back for second ahead of Waikaha, who had her chance. The well-supported Moozoon went out to a clear lead before weakening to finish fourth.

Meanwhile, Hunterville galloper Benzini gave his connections plenty to think about after his victory in the Farman Turkington Forestry Wairarapa Cup.

“We’re toying with the idea of a late Auckland Cup nomination,” co-trainer Harry Bull said. “We’ve got until 10am Monday to decide.”

Benzini loped along on the fence behind the pace and took advantage of a rails run at the top of the straight to hit the front and provided Rosie Myers with a comfortable run to the post. – NZ Racing Desk.

Ocean Park’s With Grace seals NZ Cup berth

South Auckland mare With Grace secured her berth in next month’s Gr.3 Martin Collins New Zealand Cup (3200m) at Riccarton when extending her winning sequence to four with victory in the Baker Tilly Staples Rodway 2100 at Te Rapa on Labour Day Monday.

27 October 2026

Bonecrusher Stakes next for Justin Case

Trainer Kris Shailer has confirmed that his exciting three-year-old Justin Case will bypass next month’s Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton in favour of stakes targets closer to home.