Howbaddouwantit’s son on target for cup
28 Feb 2016Mark Oulaghan’s patience is being rewarded by Howbaddouwantit’s son Guarantor, who will now bid to double his tally in the country’s premier staying event.
The Awapuni trainer has his sights firmly set on the Gr.1 Auckland Cup, a race he won in 2014 with Who Shot Thebarman, for the late-maturing gelding.
A Rating 85 winner at Te Rapa earlier this month, Guarantor is now a $10 chance for the Ellerslie feature after his success in the Listed Kaimai Stakes at Matamata.
“I thought he had a bit against him today and I was a bit surprised he won,” Oulaghan said.
He felt the drop back from 2400 to 2000 metres on a smaller track could have brought about Guarantor’s downfall, but the six-year-old was up to the challenge.
Rider Michael Coleman settled Guarantor in midfield on a good speed and improved across the top and came with a sustained finish in the straight.
“He’s taken a while to develop, but he’s really strengthened this time around,” Oulaghan said. “He’s heading in the right direction.”
Guarantor completed a good day for Goodwood Stud with farm graduate Heavens Keep continuing his run of form with a bold second placing.
Awapuni part-owner and trainer Lucy Tanner already has a Group One goal for the gelding next season.
“He’ll have one or two more runs and then go out – the Spring Classic will be his main aim next campaign,” she said.