In the lead-up to Saturday’s Group 2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m) at Hastings, all eyes were on the standout Satono Aladdin gelding, Tokyo Tycoon. However, it was another son of the same stallion who emerged from the shadows to steal the show.
Lantern Way, defying +2000 odds, made a stunning upset win, leaving his maiden status behind in outstanding style.
Tokyo Tycoon struggled in the Heavy 9 track, unable to make an impression from midfield, while Lantern Way, ridden by Jonathan Riddell, powered past him with a strong finish.
Riddell expressed his confidence in the horse, stating, “That’s a good way to break maidens. He’s got a lot of talent and has always been a really nice horse.”
Bred by Rich Hill Thoroughbreds, Lantern Way was secured by Lisa Latta for $40,000 at the Karaka 2022 Yearling Sale. With a six-start career yielding a win and three placings, he has earned over $136,000 in stakes, showcasing black-type quality with previous second placings in notable races.
Despite concerns about track conditions, Latta praised Lantern Way’s performance.
“He looked pretty ordinary in the Wanganui Guineas – his coat just wasn’t quite there,” said Latta.
“He’s a pretty good horse, this. I was just a little bit concerned about today’s track conditions, but he obviously handled it.”
Lantern Way is now nominated for the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) on November 11, and online bookmakers rate him as an +700 equal third favorite for the Riccarton classic.
Latta emphasized the horse’s well-being, stating, “A lot of his owners live down south, so it would be pretty special for them if we got him down there for the Guineas. But obviously the horse comes first. We’ll get him through this and then go from there.”
The Hawke’s Bay Guineas, with a time of 1:27.19, highlighted the impact of persistent rain on the track. It was the slowest since 1989.
Tokyo Tycoon’s jockey, Opie Bosson, attributed the horse’s fifth-place finish and almost eight-length gap to the winner to the uncomfortable ground conditions.
“He just didn’t feel comfortable in that ground, so that’s what I’d put it down to,” said Bosson.
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