Tulsa King provides an upset in Taranaki opener

[Wandering Eyes]

Extreme raceday at New Plymouth started in exactly that fashion on Saturday with torrential rain making for an uncomfortable start to the opening event, the NZB Ready To Run Sale Trainers Series 3YO (1200m).

Commentator Justin Evans could hardly make out the five runners as they waited for the barriers to open although, thankfully, the rain eased and made vision for the race a little easier than expected.

With race favourite Spandeedo (NZ) (Ferrando) out in front it was left to Matamata visitor Luminance (NZ) (Time Test) to head the chase after him, which she did in fine fashion as she shot past the pacemaker early in the home straight to establish what looked like a winning break.

Unfortunately, that effort began to tell on her at the 150m as Staphanos gelding Tulsa King (NZ) (Staphanos) mounted a strong finish for apprentice Elen Nicholas that carried him to the front and away for an impressive victory for trainer and part-owner Aaron Bidlake.

Tulsa King was having his first start for Bidlake, who purchased him for $1500 off the gavelhouse.com website, delighting his new mentor with the effort after being a conservative eight lengths from the leaders with just 300m to run.

“We were pretty loud in the grandstand as I’ve only had this horse for about three months,” Bidlake said.

“I don’t know much about him but I do like him.

“He reminds me a lot of Eric The Viking (NZ) (Viking Ruler) with the way he works as he has got through the deep tracks at home.”

Bidlake was referring to his versatile performer Eric The Viking who won five races on the flat alongside a further four over the steeplechase fences, including the 2016 Wellington Steeplechase (5500m) and the 2014 Grand National Steeplechase (5400m).

Nicholas had a mud-spattered grin from ear to ear as she described the hectic conditions the race was run in.

“It is a bit wet out there,” she said tongue firmly in cheek.

“My horse settled lovely and was brave in the conditions and picked them all off as he handled the wetter track the best.

“He was so relaxed in the running and I thought I might run second, but then he just blew past her (Luminance).”

Nicholas didn’t take long to bring up a winning double as she guided Our Time Keeper (NZ) (Time Test) to victory in the second race on the card.

Out of the Encosta De Lago mare Lilies, Tulsa King is a grandson of quality mare Call Me Lily (NZ) and closely related to multiple Group One winner Soriano (NZ).

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