Former northerner Conor O’Ceirin (NZ) (Dial A Prayer) made an impressive start to his new campaign in the South Island, leading most of the way to win Saturday’s Johnny Fresh Darfield and Yaldhurst Open Handicap (1400m) at Riccarton Park.
The eight-year-old son of Dial A Prayer had been a strong performer in the care of former trainer Robbie Patterson, winning eight races and over $200,000 in stakes before he sent him south to join Riccarton conditioner Anna Furlong.
Last seen during the Wellington Cup Carnival in January, Conor O’Ceirin always posed a danger first-up but exhibited that freshness early in the race, travelling keenly under the slow tempo and was allowed to slide forward by apprentice Ruvanesh Muniandy.
Once in the lead, the gelding got into a strong rhythm and was charging into the home straight, giving a strong kick to comfortably hold off the challenge of race-favourite Perfect Scenario by 1 – ½ lengths.
Furlong was rapt with the performance, while keeping her options open around targets in the autumn carnival.
“There wasn’t a lot of speed on and he’s rolled around, I’m not sure how much of the choice was the jockey’s, he was quite keen,” she said. “But, he was happy in front and kicked on well.”
“He’s a lovely horse when he turns up on the day, so we’ll get him home and have a look through the book.”
Bred and raced by The Keenan Family Trust, Conor O’Ceirin has now won nine races and $236,569 from 42 appearances. He was the seventh foal out of a Victory Dance mare Plaything, who also produced General Iron, a winner of four races in Hong Kong.
