Frustrating runs ends in style

Slipper Island ended a lengthy period without a major reward on Saturday when he produced a commanding performance to score over 1200 metres at Trentham.

It had been 17 months since he last won, although he had raced consistently in between times with seven placings to his credit.

“He’s a stable favourite and a lovely horse to do anything with, but he has been extremely frustrating,” trainer Tony Pike said.

“He’s also a bit better left-handed so we took the punt on the six-day back up and he’s done it well.”

Part-owned by Waikato Stud with a host of partners, the son of No Nay Never had finished third at Ellerslie at his previous appearance and came from fourth last in the running today with an irresistible finish.

“It was a lovely ride by Rory (Hutchings) and hopefully the horse gets a bit of confidence and goes on with it,” Pike said.

Now a three-time winner, Slipper Island was bought out of Hallmark Stud’s draft at Karaka by Pike for $180,000 and is a son of the Redoute’s Choice mare Pedicel who is a half-sister to the Gr.1 Doncaster Handicap winner Nettoyer.