IN Racing
Te Akau hold strong hand at Tauranga
“Cu Chulainn had good South Island form as a two-year-old so it will be good to see him kick back off at the races as a three-year-old. I am sure he is capable of running a bold, cheeky race first-up.”
Joshua Smith, LOVERACING.NZ News Desk | October 31, 2023
Photo: Trish Dunell

Te Akau Racing co-trainer Sam Bergerson is looking forward to heading to Tauranga on Saturday where he will line-up nine runners on the nine-race card.

Group One performer Brando will be fresh-up in the Flying Mullet Sports Bar 1400 and Bergerson is hoping he can recapture winning form.

“Brando has had a quick freshen. He got a little bug following his last run,” said Bergerson, who trains in partnership with Mark Walker.

“We are going to run him in the Open 1400m and then back him up a fortnight later in that weight-for-age mile (Gr.2 Gartshore Tauranga Stakes).

“It would be good to see him find form. He started to find a bit of form this time last year so hopefully he can run a cheeky race on Saturday.”

Bergerson is also upbeat about the chances of stakes winner Fierce Flight in the Seeka 2100, and Cu Chulainn and Valentine in the Aongatete Avo-Ject 3YO 1200.

“Fierce Flight has only run okay but he has an alright record at Tauranga. It is weather dependent on him, we wouldn’t want too much rain,” he said.

“Valentine was a touch disappointing at Rotorua. We are going to put the blinkers on him. He is working well at home, so we think he presents a nice chance.

“Cu Chulainn had good South Island form as a two-year-old so it will be good to see him kick back off at the races as a three-year-old. I am sure he is capable of running a bold, cheeky race first-up.”

Brando valentine Cu Chulainn mark walker and sam bergerson Fierce Flight