Apprentice Gareth Lahoud made good use of his 4kg claim as he guided Reptak (NZ) (Shocking) to an all-the-way victory in the Northpine Making It Tanalised (1200m) rating 75 contest at Ruakaka on Saturday.
The Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott-prepared five-year-old had kicked off his latest campaign with a win at Ellerslie over 1200m back in April and in two subsequent runs had not been disgraced despite not featuring in the placings.
Drawn ideally in barrier two Reptak made a swift beginning with Lahoud not afraid to keep his race rivals at bay in the early stages as he claimed pacemaking duties on the son of Shocking and set up a solid speed in front.
Turning for home it was evident Reptak was travelling sweetly as he put a two length break on the chasing pack and despite race favourite Judicial (Written Tycoon) mounting a strong finish from midfield, Reptak had plenty in hand as he went to the line nearly two lengths to the good of the favourite with local runner Dancing Dream (NZ) (Contributer) sticking on well for third.
O’Sullivan was taking in all the action from his Matamata home and liked what he saw from both the horse and rider.
“It was a good positive ride by Gareth as we told him to go forward and lead and make the best use of his claim which worked out nicely,” O’Sullivan said.
“We like to give the apprentices their chance on our horses in the winter as we are firm believers in their claim giving a horse a big advantage over the higher-weighted runners.
“This fellow (Repak) has always shown plenty on the training track at home but hasn’t always put that out on raceday.
“He is learning all the time and has matured well which is starting to show in his performances.
“I have no doubt he can get through to open class and with his liking for some cut in the tracks he will be well suited over the next few months.”
Bred by the late Colin Devine and raced by his wife Jill, Reptak is out of the Carnegie mare Marley Magic (NZ) and comes from an extended family that includes three-time Australian Group One winner Desirable (NZ).
The victory added to a stellar season for the O’Sullivan and Scott partnership, who sit third on the National Trainers’ premiership ladder with 82 wins and more than $4.395million in prizemoney earned.