Ohoka Connor Derby bound

Despite having a good wander at the end of his Green Mile run at Methven today Ohoka Connor (Sunshine Beach) held on to beat a spirited late run from Franco Norton, to win by half a neck.

“He’s laid back and pretty casual when he’s in front. I think you’ll find when he’s following a helmet he races a lot better,” co-trainer Steve Telfer said after the win.

The giant pacer was wide early before driver Tim Williams took him to the front.

Telfer says he’s looking forward to the day when the horse can showcase his speed. “He’s got speed which we haven’t seen much because he’s been up front dominating.”

It was the three year old’s eighth win from just nine starts. He was plucked out of Brett Gray’s Ryal Bush stable as a late two year old by his current owners Stonewall Stud.

“He was well educated but he was a gangly raw boned horse. He’s definitely strengthened up and looks more of a horse, but I think in six months he’ll be bigger and stronger”.

Ohoka Connor will now head to the $250,000 G1 Garrards New Zealand Pacing Derby on Grand Prix day next Sunday.

“He’s had three good runs now and it’s time to throw the hat in the ring. So far his ability has got him through. He’s short on big race experience and the trip that he gets next Sunday will be crucial to his chances probably. I’m looking forward to how he measures up.”

Dancingonmoonlight Limited are offering a Bettor’s Delight half-brother to Ohoka Connor at the NZB Standardbred Sales in Christchurch in February.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink