Pinseeker Kicks Off Season In Winning Fashion

Leeston pacer Pinseeker (NZ) (Downbytheseaside) got his season off to the perfect start at Omakau on Friday when winning the Group Three Ranfurly Transport LTD Central Otago Cup (2000m).

He was mixing his form late last season and had been freshened since his last-start third placing in the Pacers Green Mile (1609m) at Methven in November.

From his outside draw on the front row, trainer-driver Jonny Cox took Pinseeker back to settle at the tail of the field. There was plenty of speed on and the field soon strung out with race favourites Wag Star (NZ) (Sweet Lou) and Alta Meteor (NZ) (Art Major) going head-to-head upfront.

After Alta Meteor found the front, the pace eased and Cox took his opportunity down the back straight and launched his charge around the field to take the lead. He continued his forward momentum and eventually ran out a 2-1/4 length victor.

“They had burned past the winning post and he was just getting keen enough to be annoying when they backed it off,” Cox told HRNZ. “It was either go at the 900m or go at the 500m anyway, so we took our chance. 

“When he got to the top he dropped the bit which was very pleasing. We’ve had a few ups and downs so to get a result like today is great for the horse and great for the owners.

“We targeted the 2000m at Omakau and next he will head to Nelson for their mile race up there. 

“Hopefully these shorter distances will help him build his confidence and his tractability and we can reassess our options further down the road.”

Bred by Woodlands Stud, Pinseeker was offered through their 2020 NZB Standardbred All Age Sale on gavelhouse.com where he was purchased by part-owner Iain Wilson for $4,200.

He has gone on to win eight and place in 15 of his 34 starts to date, and has earned more than $266,000 in prizemoney.