The Big Lebowski (Mach Three) has shone again on the grass. After winning the Riverton Cup seven days ago, he doubled down and won the $20,000 Cutler Real Estate Waikouaiti Pacers Cup at Oamaru today.

After beginning well from the 40 metre mark, driver Blair Orange wasn’t happy with the pace in the middle stages of the 3000 metre staying test and with 1200 metres to run he took the Brett Gray trained nine year old to the front.

“They backed it right off and Blair just did his usual genius stuff. There wasn’t a better time to get around,” Gray said.

Turning in, Orange had a good look around and waited until 50 metres from the winning post before pulling the hood. The Big Lebowski went on the win by two and three quarter lengths from Commander Ben who ran home late, with Cocktails And Caviar who sat parked finishing third.

The winning time was an impressive 3-55.7 with the last 800 run in 58 seconds.

“He really appreciates the grass. He’s hasn’t got the best feet in the world so he’s happy racing on the grass. I thought the harder track today would help him, but I was really worried about the 40 (metres handicap).”

Owned by Australians Merv and Meg Butterworth the win was the gelding’s tenth and his second on the grass.

“He (Merv) rings me every Friday (laughter). He’s rung today so he’s a pretty happy man.”

The Butterworths have bought and raced New Zealand horses for a long time, winning three New Zealand Cups, with Arden Rooney in 2015 and Copy That in 2021 and 2022.

Orange drove Copy That in both of his New Zealand Cup wins.

Gray took Ultimate Cullect and Havtimewillfly to Addington on Friday.

“I was happy with both of them. Ultimate Cullect got shoved out to last and came home good down the outside. She’s stayed in Canterbury. The other girl did a lot of work and sat parked and she was only a nose from fourth. Havtimewillfly is having a week off and will race against the better ones.”  

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink