Ukraine back winning again

After looking smart as an early two year old, Ukraine (Captain Crunch) was back in winning form at Oamaru yesterday for Woodend trainer Bob Butt.

The gelding looked extremely promising as a young horse, winning his first start. He was then beaten by Rubira by a neck in the 2024 Kindergarten Stakes before running fifth in the G1 Diamond Creek Farm Two Year Old Classic in a hot field that included Marketplace, Rubira, Got The Chocolates, Always Dreaming and Bettor’s Anvil.

He had one further start as a two year old, finishing fourth, but subsequently he completely missed his three year old season.

“He was a smart early two year old. Then he hurt a leg so we gave him some time off, and then he got a virus so we gave him a massive long spell,” Butt said.

Owned by Don Bates, Ukraine was back at the workouts in October last year before having four trials ahead of his resumption at Rangiora at the beginning of the month, where he ran second. He then went to Nelson and ran two thirds.

“He went good first up and I took him up to Nelson and he went two good races without much luck. That trip topped him off perfectly. He’s getting to where I want him fitness wise.”

Butt says despite the lengthy break from the track, Ukraine’s talent is evident.

“He’s still got that high speed. He’s such a good doing bugger who’s been out for so long it’s taken a bit of time to get him to peak fitness. Now that he’s got a few races under his belt he’s starting to get there.’

In yesterday’s race driver Seth Hill got the gelding into a nice trailing position early, behind third favourite Waikaka. When Lonnekers challenged Waikaka turning in, Hill chose an outside running line instead of the passing lane. Despite running around a bit in the home stretch, Ukraine beat Classic Linc by a length and a half with Lonnekers  half a head back in third.

UKRAINE REPLAY

“Once he hits the front he thinks the job’s done. I think a bit of racing will bring him right.”

The win was Ukraine’s second in eight starts.

“He’ll just race through the grades now.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink