Rugged stayer Titicaca (NZ) (Tarzino) made light of a hefty 59.5kg on his back to capture a deserved victory in the second running of the Race With Te Akau Remutaka Classic (2100m) at Trentham.
The statuesque son of Westbury Stud resident stallion Tarzino only cleared maidens when successful over 2200m at Waverley back in September, with trainer Adrian Bull prepared to play a patient game with him as he began to mature into his sizeable frame.
Taken to Riccarton during the New Zealand Cup Carnival in November, Titicaca won two of his three starts before Bull gave him time in the paddock, returning to run sixth over 1600m at Otaki earlier this month as the lead-up to Saturday’s $350,000 contest.
Rider Kelly Myers had been aboard the five-year-old for his Riccarton successes and she reunited with him on Saturday to produce an absolute cracking performance in victory.
Allowed to settle near the rear after jumping from an outside barrier, Titicaca relaxed nicely before starting a wide run nearing the 700m.
Myers got busy as the speed went on rounding the home bend, however her charge was still six lengths from the lead as Sinhaman (NZ) (Tivaci) made his bid for victory by streaking clear at the 200m.
Titicaca began to wind up strongly and under the urgings of Myers he produced several huge bounds to thrust his head in front of a brave Sinhaman with Moonlight Magic (NZ) (Almanzor) also closing off well to take third.
Myers sported a smile a mile wide as she returned to the Trentham birdcage and was ecstatic with the result, particularly after she had lost the use of her whip for most of the home straight.
“I didn’t get to use my stick, so I had to give him some extra voice encouragement,” Myers said.
“The horse has come a really long way from winning a maiden 2200m maiden at Waverley not too long ago to now winning this race today.
“Adrian is an amazing horseman and when you put these colours on you know you are in with a big chance.
“I was roaring at him and I heard Matt (Cartwright – jockey of Sinhaman) curse when we hit the line so I thought hopefully he was right and we’d won.
“He is such a big horse and is just going to get better and better so it is very exciting.”
Bred by Westbury Stud principal Gerry Harvey, Titicaca is owned by a group that includes Bull and his son Harry.
He is out of the Encosta De Lago mare Lacustrine, who is a daughter of multiple stakes winner (It’s) Platonic (Trustful) while his extended family also includes Gr.1 Sydney Cup (3200m) winner Niwot (Galileo).
