Promising hurdler Dictation (NZ) (Tavistock) finished his jumping season in style at Woodville on Sunday, putting on the complete performance to take out the Toll Free Tararua (3000m).
The son of Tavistock has had a near-faultless first season hurdling, winning undercard races on major days at Hawke’s Bay and Riccarton Park, albeit the latter coming as a consolation after he dislodged the jockey at the final fence of the Sydenham Hurdles (3100m).
Returning to the North Island, Dictation was defeated by fellow rising star Mugshot at Woodville, before coming in second-best again to Split in a thrilling NZB Airfreight Road To The Jericho (3200m) on Tuesday.
On the six-day back-up, Dictation was heavily backed to break his bridesmaid streak in a compact field of five, closing the $1.80 favourite ahead of Invisible Spirit ($4.10).
After safely negotiating the opening pair of fences, Dictation was eased back into a midfield position under regular rider Hamish McNeill, as Invisible Spirit took control of the tempo where he remained up to the 800m, when the favourite came up to challenge on the outside.
Dictation headed off Invisible Spirit over the second-last fence and never looked in doubt, clearing away from the field under little pressure by 4 – ¼ lengths to Duke Of Plumpton.
Paul Nelson, who trains the seven-year-old in partnership with Corrina McDougal, was thrilled to see such a professional display from his charge.
“He was very good, we couldn’t be any happier with that,” he said.
“He was great in the Road To The Jericho as well, he possibly wouldn’t have started today if he had won there as there might have been some syndicates members looking for a holiday in Australia, but we just missed out.
“Getting over the last fence well has been our main obstacle with him this season, but he’s done it well today.
“He still looks exceptionally well and it’s probably a good way to go out for a spell now.”
Looking ahead to next season, Dictation will be a big danger in any of the major hurdle contests, with the stable also having the likes of Taika and Nedwin in similar grade.
“He’s done well this year, and we’ll follow the main hurdle races where they are offered next season,” Nelson said.
Bred by the Dowager Duchess of Bedford and raced by the I See Red Syndicate, Dictation has surpassed $100,000 in stakes earnings with five victories now on the board from 27 starts.
