New Zealand-bred four-year-old Ruakaka Raider landed a last-stride victory when successful in the Vale Colin McKenna (1700m) at Caulfield on Saturday for trainer Cindy Alderson.
The gelded son of Redwood raced midfield with cover and was given a perfect ride by Daniel Stackhouse as he found a gap mid straight to dash through and collar the favourite Hiyaam Proud on the line.
It was the first city win for the progressive gelding, who has now won three of his six starts, which will no doubt prove a tonic for trainer Cindy Alderson, who couldn’t be on track due to a back issue.
“She's (Cindy) bulged a disc in her back, but God, she's done a brilliant job with this horse,” stable representative Melissa Batterham said.
“He's still doing a lot wrong, and we came here with no expectation today, and he's just done what he's done every time. He's stepped out and just stepped up.
“He was a bit hot before the start, and the occasion definitely was a little bit much for him, but he delivered, and it was a brilliant ride from Daniel Stackhouse. I couldn't be more happy.
“He's still a little bit mentally immature, and each prep he's going to get better and better, so it's very exciting for what he's done so far.”
Bred by Terry Powell’s Tee Pee Racing Limited, who remains in the ownership, Ruakaka Raider is by Westbury Stud stallion Redwood, out of the four-win Duelled mare Irene Alice and comes from the family of Might And Power.
Winning jockey Daniel Stackhouse was impressed with the victory.
“He's a lovely type, just going through his replays, he doesn't look like a finished product. He's very raw and immature,” Stackhouse said.
“Speaking to Jamie Mott prior to the race, he gets really dis-united with his action so you sort of can't rush him into spots and you let him build into the race, and it panned out that way for us.
“It worked out really well. I was happy the way he travelled, the tempo was nice. He built into it and got the gaps at the right time.”
Ruakaka Raider’s sire Redwood will be well represented with ten lots at this week’s New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale which commences on Wednesday at Karaka.