Lanikai Warrior shows promise

Prominent trainer Mick Stanley looks to have unearthed another more than useful pacer when two year old Lanikai Warrior (Soho Lanikai) showed a turn of speed to lead all the way in the Blue Pegasos Terraflex Super Maiden at Wagga on Friday evening.

Bred and raced by Mick’s father Ian, Lanikai Warrior was only having his fourth start and it seemed to be a task facing open class pacers.

In glorious sunshine with a big crowd building up Lanikai Warrior showed a dazzling turn of early speed to lead with Misterthreeofive going around the field to face the breeze. Kalimba was racing behind the leader with Our Ultimate Elsie with the one out and one back trail.

However Lanikai Warrior and Misterthreeofive clapped the pace on in the back straight and cleared away as they turned for home. It looked as if Misterthreeofive would prevail but Lanikai Warrior refused to give in and in a driving finish held on to win by a short half head with Our Ultimate Elsie a fair way back. The last quarter was run in an impressive 27 seconds.

Stanley was well pleased after the run.

It was a strong effort. He’s a very raw type and immature. And once he’s in front he’s inclined to be rather lazy. However once Nathan’s horse (Mister Threeofive) moved up he grabbed the bit and wanted to go.

He impressed recently at the Ballarat trials when he sat outside the leader. He’s a good mover.

At this stage Stanley has earmarked the VicBred series later on as his goal to end his two year old days and he’ll bypass the Leeton Breeders Plate on Boxing Day.

Mister Threeofive who had plenty of support at his debut showed great fight and it shouldn’t take him too long to break through.

 

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink