Hurdling newcomer continues to impress
Lightly-tried jumper Fast Catch is quickly making a name for himself in his new role.
The five-year-old took on a well-performed line-up in the
Patron Paddy’s Open Hurdle at Te Aroha on Monday and dealt to them in fine
style.
Fast Catch is part-owned by Pukekohe Park trainer Eamonn Green, who prepared the
son of Faltaat to win twice on the flat before sending him to Samantha Logan’s
Cambridge stable.
"That was huge – it was only his third race day start over
hurdles,” said Logan, noting the field numbered past Great Northern, Hawke’s Bay
and Wellington Hurdles winners.
"I’ll have a chat with Eamonn now. We could come back here
next time and wait for next year to go for bigger goals or we could look at
Ellerslie.”
Rider Aaron Kuru hinted a patient approach might be in Fast
Catch’s best interests and said in another 12 months he could be a genuine
feature race contender - "he’s definitely heading that way.”
He settled in midfield with Thenamesbond in his customary
role in front before the reigning Great Northern Hurdles winner D’Llaro put the
pressure on 900 metres from home.
Fast Catch reeled him in to take control three flights from
home and he cleared the last two fences tidily enough to beat El Corby by three
and a half lengths.
"He’s full of confidence at the moment and there was a nice
pace up front to suit,” Kuru said.
Top Choice was a distant third ahead of D’Llaro, who is
expected to improve with his first outing over hurdles this year. – NZ
Racing Desk.