Ohoka Connor makes another statement

The rise of three year old Ohoka Connor (Sunshine Beach) continued at breath taking speed at the Winton Harness Racing Club Cup Day today )(Apr. 13).

His raw talent was clearly on display at the Central Southland Raceway when the giant pacer toyed with a small quality field and made a clear statement that he’s the horse to beat in Sunday’s $45,000 Group Two Alabar Southern Supremacy Stake at Ascot Park.

Driver Tim Williams settled Ohoka Connor last in the six horse field, and sent him forward with 1200 metres to run, to sit parked outside leader Cormac Leo (Sweet Lou). Williams had the big fella trucking at the 500 and level pegging with Cormac Leo, whose stablemate Wag Star (Sweet Lou) was sitting pretty in the trail.

Wag Star’s driver Mark Hurrell got onto the back of Ohoka Connor as the field turned in, but once Williams changed the horse’s gear up he easily left Wag Star in his dust, going down to the line to win by two lengths with another six lengths back to Cormac Leo.

OHOKA CONNOR REPLAY

“He’s got a great temperament and can relax which is a great string to his bow. He doesn’t stress, just sits there and drops the bit which makes my job easy,” Williams said after the run.

Ohoka Connor was purchased at the Christchurch Yearlings Sales by Brett Gray who gave the horse a very solid preparation before qualifying him as a late two year old in April last year. He was then trialled by Williams in December on behalf of Stonewall Stud.

“The negotiations started in the week we were down for the Invercargill Cup. I said to Brett after the warmup that the horse was a lovely relaxed sort with great balance and a lovely mover. Once I’d worked him it wasn’t a hard decision. It was one of those things that fell into place. Steve Stockman was there to watch him, Mandy (Telfer) ran her eye over him, and she reported back to Steve (Telfer). Brett and Stockie did the deal there and then.”

Williams confirmed Ohoka Connor will head to the paddock after Sunday’s Supremacy.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink