The Lisa Latta-trained He's A Doozy ran out an impressive winner of the Group 3 Gee Hickton Funeral Directors Thompson Handicap (1600m) at Trentham on Sunday under a peach of a ride from Kozzi Asano.
The five-year-old son of Zacinto recorded his sixth career victory from 19 starts when coming from off the pace under a no-panic ground-saving ride by Asano, who tracked race favourite Secret Amour for much of the contest.
Gaining a split inside the final furlong of the roomy Trentham straight, He's A Doozy powered over the top of proven stakes horses Markus Aurelius and Deerfield to land a deserved victory.
“I thought he was in a spot of bother at the 300m, but he just rode him patiently and the gaps opened up,” Latta said.
“He does like Trentham and looked well-placed today with the 53.5 kilos.
“He has just taken a bit of time. We had a really big opinion of him as a three-year-old but he disappointed us a couple of times. I just think it was immaturity and he has just gone from strength to strength now that he has furnished. “
Latta was one of the earlier supporters of Japanese apprentice Asano, who was previously based in Christchurch with Latta's close friend Riccarton trainer Andrew Carston.
“I have had a bit of luck with Kozzi, especially when he was down with Andrew and coming up. He can ride light and that helps too.”
The Palmerston North horsewoman confirmed He's A Doozy has booked his passage south for a tilt at the Group 3 Coupland's Bakeries Mile (1600m), where he will clash with stablemate Nod Of The Head, who finished runner-up in the Coupland's Bakeries Mile Prelude (1400m) at Riccarton on Saturday.
“It is hard to split them,” Latta said. “Nod Of The Head is not proven at all at a mile, whereas He's A Doozy is.”
Meanwhile, Latta said initial reports on the manner in which Diss Is Dramatic had come through her strong win in the Group 3 War Decree Stakes (1600m) on Saturday were pleasing but a decision is still pending as to whether she will take on the colts and geldings in the Group 1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai 50th New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) on November 5.
“Andrew (Carston) is happy with her. I have still got to sit down with Albert (Bosma) and have a discussion as to where we go next.”
While Latta took stakes honours with He's A Doozy, the day belonged to jockey Craig Grylls, who snared five winners on a competitive day of racing at Trentham.
Among Grylls quintet was a treble for New Plymouth trainer Robbie Patterson, headed by smart three-year-old filly Coogee Kate, who comfortably won the Life Direct Wellington Guineas Prelude (1200m) to make it two wins from two starts.
Grylls also partnered progressive four-year-old Mary Louise to win the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport Handicap (1400m), with the daughter of The Bold One looking likely to relish getting over a distance, with a lengthy action conducive to further.
More New Zealand horse racing news