NZ Cup Calls Chicago Bull
26 October, 2018
Harness
Chicago Bull has stamped himself as the one to beat for the New Zealand Cup on November 13, following an impressive win in the Garrard’s New Zealand Pace (2200m) at Alexandra Park this afternoon.
The gelding was competing in his first standing start event and was slow away after the start.
The six-year-old was able to slowly work his way back in touch with the rest of the field on the first lap, before making his way to the breeze past the winning post the penultimate time.
Reinsman Gary Hall Jnr then poured the pressure on Jack’s Legend, who was his nearest rival in the market, before he went on to win by two-and-a-half lengths.
Trainer Gary Hall Snr said it was a great thrill to see Chicago Bull return to his best form.
“I was excited,” he said.
“He’s copped a bit of flack since he got beaten in the Victoria Cup, but I was never worried about it.”
Hall Snr said the gelding would be better at his next attempt at a standing start.
“Junior tried to judge it, he got up there and was standing flat footed,” he said.
“I think he will improve with the effort.
“He only has to get a little bit better and they know he is there.”
Chicago Bull will have one more trial prior to the New Zealand Cup.
Meanwhile, Tommy Be Good upstaged his rivals in the Group 3 Parliamentarians Cup at Gloucester Park last night.
The Kristian Hawkins-trained pair of Danieljohn and The Trilogy finished second and third.
King Of Swing finished last as the favourite, on what was otherwise a successful night for Hall Snr with Extreme Prince, Overboard Again and Benhope Rulz all winning on the night.
In the other feature event of the night, Hawkins teamed up with reinsman Dylan Egerton-Green to take out the Group 3 Preux Chevalier Final with Dontstopbelievin.
Tim Walker