Pinseeker wins Gore Cup

The Jonny Cox trained and driven Pinseeker (Downbytheseaside) took advantage of a drop in class at the Gore harness racing meeting today, impressively winning the $25,000 Mataura Licensing Trust Gore Pacing Cup.

The first attempt to get the race underway was aborted when backmarker South Seas Rocks was facing the wrong way but the second attempt was a lot cleaner.

“We were going forward and he took a bit of a hop and a skip. It’s just those first three or four strides but once he hits his straps he’s pretty good. He didn’t have to rush out with anything because he was mostly following them out,” Cox said.

With just over two laps to run driver Nathan Williamson took Itoje to the front before handing up to Tempo Warrior. With 1200 metres left to run, Cox made his move and took Pinseeker to the front.

“At Gore you’ve got to be handy. One one is a good spot but he was the best horse in the race so I thought I’d better drive him like that.”

The pair stayed in front and the winning margin was four lengths with Itoje finishing second.

PINSEEKER REPLAY

The winning time was 3-22.1.

“I made sure he hit the line and had a good blow because he’ll need to be ready for next week.”

Cox is travelling to Central Otago tonight and may start Pinseeker in the Central Otago Free For All at Omakau.

He was pleased to get the gelding back into winning form. After he ran fifth in the Invercargill Cup he was found to be dehydrated.

“We came down on the Wednesday and had a float accident. A extra couple of hours on the float might have just tipped him over the edge. Of course we didn’t get his bloods done until after the race. Between the trip down and the race it showed he was a bit dehydrated.”

After coming through the grades quite quickly Pinseeker was forced into racing against some of the country’s best pacers and Cox says it was nice to race down a grade today.

“The plan was to get him around and in these big races, and try and make the most of dropping back a grade like we have today.”

The four year old is coping well with his racing schedule.

“You race him in these hard races and expect him to lose condition along the way. But he’s actually held it very well so it’s always a good sign when they bounce through their races. I’ve always tried to space his races to help him recover.”

Bred by Woodlands Stud, Pinseeker was purchased from Gavelhouse for $4,000 and is owned by Iain Wilson, Peter Brinsdon, Jason Wood, Bernie McKone, Phil Stephens, Logan Boersma and Gary May.

Wilson, Brinsdon (both from Gore), McKone and May were on course today to celebrate the win.

“Gary follows all the trials and is fully into it. He came from the dark side. He was a galloping man (laughter),” Wilson said. “He’s been racing really good races without much luck. He got a great run today and Jonno pulled the trigger when he needed to and showed what he can do back in his normal grade. It’s hard against those good horses.”

After the race Cox dedicated the win to his partner Kimberly Butt’s grandfather Dick Prendergast who’s unwell at the moment.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink