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Bring on Singapore for Sangster

March 7, 2013

New Zealand’s leading jockey Opie Bosson isn’t one for overly jubilant celebrations, but he couldn’t contain himself as he crossed the line onboard Sangster (NZ) (Savabeel) in the Gr.1 Barfoot and Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m) on Wednesday.

Winning the feature race was the ultimate reward for hard work for both Bosson and his partner Danielle Johnson, who is also a jockey.

“I wasted my but off this week, he said. “I have to thank Danielle and her family, Danielle has been cooking my meals and it’s really paid off.”

Bosson set Sangster (NZ), the dominant favourite, alight at the top of Ellerslie’s straight and he never looked back, holding a comfortable margin while his rivals chased in vein .

“I was just travelling so well and I thought if something could pick me up the way I was going they would have to be pretty good.

“He started getting a bit tired that last little bit but all credit to him he won well.

“I think two miles might be just at his peak so I think he’s an ideal 2000m/2400m horse, so bring on the Singapore Cup!”

El Soldado (NZ) (Colombia) finished a game second, two-and-a-half lengths behind the winner ahead of Chaparrone (NZ) (High Chaparral) with visiting jockey Craig Williams onboard.

The win registered Sangster’s third Group One win; he has also won the 2011 Gr.1 Victoria Derby (2500m) and last month won the Gr.1 Darci Brahma International Stakes (2000m).

Sangster’s connections are now looking at targeting either The BMW (2400m) in Sydney on April 6th or heading to Asia with an invitation to the Singapore Cup on the table.

For trainer Trent Busuttin and co-trainer Natalie Young, it was a fitting result, with Sangster’s victory coming 21 years after Trent’s father Paddy prepared Castletown (NZ) (One Pound Sterling) to win the 1992 rendition of the Auckland Cup.
Story and photo from NZ racing