NEWS
Wall Street earns first Group 1 win in Thorndon Mile
Posted: Saturday, January 30, 2010 2:39 PM
by Mike Curry
Wall Street swept into contention entering the stretch, stormed to the lead with a powerful burst of speed, and battled gamely to hold off three fast-closing foes in the final strides for a half-length win in the Harcourts Thorndon Mile Handicap (NZ-G1) on Saturday at Trentham.
The five-year-old Montjeu (Ire) gelding entered off a ninth-place finish in The Oaks Stud Telegraph Handicap (NZ-G1) at 1,200 meters (5.97 furlongs) on January 23 at Trentham. But Wall Street had won four straight at the 1,600-meter (7.95-furlong) Thorndon Mile distance entering the race and was sent off as the 2.30-to-1 favorite.
Seeking his first win at the highest level, Wall Street was taken back off the pace by jockey Buddy Lamas as Juice dictated the tempo. Wall Street commenced his winning big on the turn and lengthened his stride willingly in the straight to take charge from the center of the track.
Wall Street covered the distance in 1:33.86 on turf rated as good.
Group 1 winner Lord Tavistock edged Mill Duckie by a head with 2008 New Zealand classic winner Tell A Tale another neck back in fourth.
Out of the Grand Lodge mare Villa Wanda, Wall Street improved to seven wins in 11 starts for trainer Jeffery Roy Lynds, who conditions the bay gelding for a partnership.
Mike Curry is a Thoroughbred Times TODAY editor
