By Tayler Strong.
Trainer Brent White had his third win since shifting to Temuka three weeks ago when The Jinja Ninja easily won a maiden trot at Forbury Park on Thursday night.
White previously trained at Yaldhurst and enjoyed his best innings last season with 17 wins. He is in his eighth season as a public trainer.
He developed the mare Sell A Bit to win nine races including the final of the Southern Belle series at Winton in March. Sell A Bit was sold to the United States in July.
Jericho was sold out of the stable to Australia about the same time after winning four races. White has the trotter Trouble Rieu (seven wins).
The Jinja Ninja was having her third start for White after being bought by main stable client Ross McCutcheon, of Temuka in August from Timaru owner-trainer-breeder, Alan Clark.
The Jinja Ninja, a 5yr-old Sundon mare, raced without half hopples on Thursday night and settled well off the pace after starting from the unruly position.
Gerard O’Reilly improved her to second at the 1000m, went clear at the 850m and she won by seven and a half lengths.
White won with Dana Destiny and Remiss at the Ashburton meeting during NZ Cup week.
Smokin Chick had her second win for owner, Carol Sissons when driven by her husband, Richard in the race for amateur drivers.
Mrs Sissons leased Smokin Chick in March and left the mare in the Ladbrooks stable of Dean Taylor. Richard had driven Smokin Chick in races for amateurs and he was keen to continue his association.
He drove her to win at Waikouaiti in March in her second start after being leased.
Misaki, by Shark Gesture, won at her second start for Mosgiel breeders, Syd and Shona Brown.
“ I liked Shark Gesture as he was a really good racehorse by the sire of Bettor’s Delight,’’ said Brown.
Shark Gesture, the top stake earner by Cams Card Shark with a total of $2.8 million, won as a 2yr-old in 1.51.3 and took the Breeders Crown final as a 3yr-old.
He was retired at four and away from racing for 16 months before he returned to win the Canadian Pacing Derby as a 6yr-old in 1.48.2.
Shark Gesture sired Piston (1.48.3) from his first crop in Canada. He is the sire of Hopeful Harriet, a winner at Washdyke in August.
Misaki, a 3yr-old filly trained by Tim Butt, is out of Mika, who won three races for Syd and Shona Brown.
Waihemo Art, who cleared maiden ranks, is the fourth winner from as many foals to race out of Waihemo Anvil.
A 6yr-old gelding by Art Major, trained by Michael House, he is a half brother to Anvils Big Punt and Anvils Delight.
Waihemo Art was driven by Jonny Cox, a part-owner of the galloper Buckwild who won at Gore an hour and a half earlier.
Experiment made the most of the situation to win after the favourite Heard The Whisper left stride at the start and lost his chance.
Errol Forde, who races Experiment with Jan Hawthorn, said the mare had no luck at the NZ Cup meeting.
Trainer Geoff Knight was relieved after Zenmach led for most of the way to win. His team had a problem recently with a build up of lactic acid in their systems attributed to lush grass.
Zenmach is a smart 3yr-old who has now won five races from eight starts for the Central Courage syndicate.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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