Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images)
Grey entire Lingjun Xiongfeng (6 h The Factor – Harvest Start, by Sebring) was back in business winning the $50,000 Open Handicap 1600 metres on 10 January at Tauranga.
Impressive winning twice to 1600 metres at a similar time last year, Lingjun Xiongfeng resumed with a good effort for third in the Open Handicap 1400 metres on 30 December at Taupo, and had the addition of blinkers for his latest assignment.
Ridden by English jockey George Rooke, Lingjun Xiongfeng was given time to find his feet, as is customary, travelled easily when six lengths astern at the 600m, and finished powerfully on the outside of runners to claim victory.
It was a good second-up effort by Lingjun Xiongfeng, appearing to benefit with blinkers on, and another accomplished ride by Rooke, who continues to make a significant impression in the jockey ranks after riding 162 winners in England, with 21 wins since commencing in October at Taupo.
“It was a pretty good effort to sprint like that off a slowish pace and pick them up near the line,” said trainer Pam Gerard.
“George (Rooke) had ridden him fresh-up at Taupo, probably a place or two closer than where he’s comfortable, but he still ran well for third and he improved for the run.
“He’s a bit bigger and stronger this season, too, as a six-year-old, so it’s taken a bit more work for him to get race fit.
“He’s always had ability, and stakes placed as a three-year-old over 2100 metres, but he’s come into his own as a miler over the past two seasons and when he gets race conditions to suit then he’s up to the best of them.
”Gerard also commented on stable-mate Mineshaft (Merchant Navy), who travelled back in the field and ran home over the concluding stages under 51kg carried by stable apprentice Joe Nishizuka (a3), who won the last race on the card.
“He was out of his rightful grade, racing in an Open Handicap, but we’re getting the miles into him with a view to stepping up in distance,” Gerard said.
“He doesn’t have the same turn of foot as the other fella (Lingjun Xiongfeng) over a mile, but he still found the line well. He’s pretty genuine.”
Lingjun Xiongfeng was strapped by Bhom Singh.