Visiting Southland raider Five Kings upset predictions when he stormed home to snatch a narrow victory at Riccarton on the weekend.
Left alone by punters despite an improved effort during the Riverton Easter Carnival at his last run, the enigmatic sprinter produced a special performance in the hands of northern rider Samantha Collett to down his seven rivals in the Angus Meats Premier 1200.
Trainer Bruce Tapper had given his jockey specific instructions prior to the race and Collett followed them to the letter as she bided her time towards the rear before producing her mount for a late charge that carried him to a half-length victory.
"I told her where the winning post was and that it wasn't halfway down the straight," he revealed.
"She sat behind them and did it well."
Tapper admitted he had some reservations prior to his charge registering his 8th career win and third at Riccarton, a record that includes victory in the same event in 2015.
"He did it nicely although I was a bit worried as he hadn't done too well on this trip," he admitted.
"He's done a lot of travelling but for some reason he just wouldn't settle."
The victory continued a highly successful season for Collett who sits in 6th position on the Jockey's Premiership ladder with 62 wins. Amongst that tally are six wins at stakes level including the Gr. 2 Avondale Cup on El Soldado
