Connor shows immense talent

Stonewall Stud harness racing colours were to the fore in Race Eight at Oamaru today (Mar. 8) for the fourth heat of the Alabar Southern Supremacy Stakes.

Jonny Cox was once again in the driving seat and when the runners left the gate he stayed out of the early burn with giant pacer Ohoka Connor (Sunshine Beach). With just over a lap to run he moved forward when Double Time (A Rocknroll Dance) started to progress, briefly sat parked, and then slotted into the one one.

“He came out of the gate nice and got a nice pozzy in the one one early when John (Dunn) came around,” Cox said. 

Turning in, Cox got the big fella going but Coney Island Lou (Sweet Lou) was in for the fight.  Ohoka Connor strode up to the leader and was tapped up to hit the front, short of the winning post.

“It was good to have cover like that and come off the back of one. It was a good experience for him today. He’s still a bit green. At Addington last week he was all over the show but he was definitely better today. He’s still not fully concentrating which makes it scary to think what he could do if he put his mind to the job. I think there’s a good motor under the bonnet. He did switch off at the end.” 

The winning time of 2-24.8 for the 2000 metre mobile was just outside the three year old colts and geldings and open record of 2-24.2 set by Italian Lad in 2019.

The winning margin was a length with Coney Island Lou battling on for second.

OHOKA CONNOR REPLAY

Ohoka Connor was bred by Katie Carville and he’s out of her good mare Idolise (American Ideal) who’s the dam of big Australian winning mare Braeview Kelly, (Bettor’s Delight) the winner of $378,387.

Carville had a Bettor’s Delight colt out of Idolise in last month’s yearling sale in Christchurch, but he was withdrawn. The deeds of Braeview Kelly and now Ohoka Connor will heighten the interest in him.

Ohoka Connor started his racing life in Southland under the tutelage of Ryal Bush trainer Brett Gray, who gave him a very good grounding. Gray recommended to Stonewall that they buy the gelding and since then he’s gone on a winning spree of three.

“Brett did a great job with his early education. I think he had a few trips up to the Winton track to have a look at the scenery.” 

The next heat of the Supremacy will be run at Wyndham on Saturday 18th March while the Group Two Alabar Southern Supremacy Stakes Final will be run on Diamonds Day at Ascot Park on Sunday 23rd April. The distance of the final is 2700 metres.

“I think the 2700 metres will suit this guy as well.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink