Enigmatic three-year-old Pendragon demonstrated just how tough he is as he took out the Group 2 Auckland Guineas (1400m) at Pukekohe with a strong front-running performance.
The Mike Moroney and Pam Gerard-trained son of U S Navy Flag was ignored by punters to start at the juicy odds of +2500 in the race, despite having beaten two of his more fancied rivals in Tokyo Tycoon (+260) and Quintessa (+380) by nearly two lengths at his previous start over 1200m at Te Rapa.
Seeking a hat-trick of victories after breaking maidens at Te Aroha in late November, regular rider Niranjan Parmar adopted familiar tactics as Pendragon began well and dictated terms throughout.
Rounding the home bend the pair drifted to the middle of the track in search of better footing on the Soft 5 rated surface, but in doing so Pendragon began to race erratically as he was challenged by Quintessa on his inner and Tossuforit and Luberon further out.
2023 Auckland Guineas Replay – Pendragon
Parmar used all his skill to keep his mount on a straight course as Pendragon fought like a tiger to down Quintessa by a long head with two lengths back to Luberon who shaded Tossuforit for third.
“He has been good right from the word go although he probably needed gelding as a two-year-old,” Gerard said.
“When they jump and lead like that I'm always nervous but he got there very easily today.
“He has run around a little bit in the straight but hats off to Parmar as he gets on really well with him.
“He did it to them last week and credit to the horse as he has gone under the radar a little bit.
“He is just a gorgeous horse to look at, he is flying and he deserves it.”
Gerard confirmed the horse would now head to the $1.5million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) at Ellerslie on January 27 where he sits at +900 in the market with horse racing bookmakers.
“We have been heading to the mile as we buy these horses at the sales (Karaka) and we want to get them to the $1million races,” she said.
“He has stepped up from 1200m and now we will see if he can step up to the mile where we will put him in and find out.”