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.