Jockey Warren Kennedy produced a daring ride aboard progressive stayer Nest Egg at Te Rapa on Saturday, which paved the way for a victory that showed he is on track for a tilt at the Gr.3 Martin Collins New Zealand Cup (3200m) next month.
Trainer Stephen Marsh has played a patient hand with the five-year-old son of Reliable Man who finished a creditable sixth in the 2022 Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) during his three-year-old campaign when prepared by Royden Bergerson.
Having the fourth start in his current preparation, Nest Egg lapped up the 2400m journey of the rating 84 contest with Kennedy making a lightning move from midfield to dispute proceedings in front at the 800m mark.
Kennedy shot him to a clear three length advantage turning for home and he maintained a strong gallop to comfortably hold out race favourite Pinion with Za’faran making ground resolutely along the inner to claim third.
Marsh was delighted with the ride by Kennedy and to see the horse make a return to the winners’ enclosure in this campaign.
“He (Kennedy) absolutely nailed that,” Marsh said.
“He got him into a beautiful spot early on and when the speed came out of the race he knew when to move.
“He also knew he is getting ready for a two-mile journey so he didn’t want him having a hard run.”
Marsh was alluding to the nomination for the New Zealand Cup held by Nest Egg who will also contest another feature on the first day of the Riccarton carnival that commences on 11 November.
“He’s on track for the New Zealand Cup and he’s just coming right at the right time,” he said.
“He finally got the track, distance and draw today, everything to suit and that gives us confidence to head down the Metropolitan Trophy (Listed, 2500m) on the first day at Riccarton and then into the Cup.
“He is so laid back and is a pleasure to have and he will stay all day.”
TAB Bookmakers quickly revised their Fixed Odds market for the New Zealand Cup with Nest Egg now the equal $6 favourite alongside the Kevin Myers-trained Aljay, who won the 2022 edition of the time-honoured contest.
Nest Egg, who was raised at boutique Manawatu nursery Highden Park, is out of the stakes placed Bahhare mare Run To The Bank and was bred by David Price and Brian Stewart who also share in his ownership.