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New Zealand Racing News
Saturday, July 29 2017

Rejuvenated South Island galloper Flicka Of Gold snatched a last gasp victory at Timaru on Sunday to claim back-to-back victories for the first time in a career that began before several of his race rivals were even born.

Flicka Of Gold  - Race Images South

The hardy seven-year-old made his first appearance as a two-year-old at Ruakaka in July 2012 from the Stephen McKee stable. Brought to the South Island in May 2016, the Bachelor Duke gelding has now produced three of his five career victories in the care of trainer and part-owner Steve Tyler.

Successful in a similar 1200 metre contest at Wingatui last month, Flicka Of Gold looked like having to settle for a minor placing on this occasion when he appeared to be battling in behind the race leader Nakyama with just 200 metres to run in the rating 75 contest.

Pulled to the outside by apprentice Rafi Firdhaus the experienced campaigner refused to give in as he raised a final effort that saw him snatch victory at the winning post. Firdhaus remained unconvinced they had arrived in time and it was a clearly elated rider who produced a beaming smile and fist pump when the result was announced.

“I wasn’t too sure he’d got there either as I was on a bad angle when they hit the line,” admitted Tyler after the race.

“I actually thought we would be lucky to hold third halfway down the straight but he never knows when he is beaten and he found some more for us today.

“He’s no champion, just a good honest horse that will always give you his best so what more could you ask for.”

Tyler will now take some time to work out his next move with the horse although he believes he has found the key to getting the best from him.

“I think I’ve nutted him out although it has taken a while,” he said.

“He needs time between his races as he seems to go his best when he is fresh. I gave him two weeks off after his last win and he’s hardly had a gallop before today.

“It’s a worry on these wet tracks as you wonder if you’ve got them fit enough but he has really blossomed of late.

“I’m not sure if he is a Riccarton type so the Grand National meeting could be too big an ask but if we do miss going there then there is a race for him back at home later in the month so we do have a couple of options.”

Posted by: Race Desk AT 06:36 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
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