More in store for Warrentherooster

Jockey Sam Spratt predicts a bright future for Warrentherooster, smart winner of the $45,000 (Listed) H S Dyke Wanganui Guineas on Saturday.

Warrentherooster, trained at Matamata by Peter McKay, won the feature for 3-year-olds by two lengths from Star Chaser and Time Keeper.

Spratt led with Warrentherooster, a son of promising sire Savabeel, despite drawing the outside barrier of 14. They kicked clear at the top of the straight and, while he tired appreciably late in the race, he was still a convincing winner.

Spratt said he had not enjoyed the slow ground, making the win all the more impressive.

Warrentherooster is one of three early hopes McKay has for the $1 million Two Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton on November 7. The others are Thundermore and Joey Massino, who were in the money at Hastings last weekend.

Spratt doesn't see the distance as a problem.

"I don't think he's just going to be a sprinter. I think you'll see him in some nice mile races," she said.

The colt is owned by his breeder Alistair Sutherland, McKay and the latter's wife, Kym. The McKays paid $60,000 for a half-share when Sutherland offered the horse to them to train.

It was McKay's second win on Saturday, having scored with speedster Al Qurhah in the open sprint handicap (1200m).

Australian Oaks winner Daffodil motored home for fourth in that race, with trainer Kevin Gray saying he was happy with the effort, ahead of the $220,000 Windsor Park Plate (1600m) on Saturday week.

The other feature race at Wanganui, the $45,000 (Listed) Carters-GIB Stakes (1200m) for 3-year-old fillies was won by One Swanstonstreet, from Andrew Scott's Matamata stable.

The Sandtrap filly's provided a return to big race success for Christchurch owner Alastair Munro.

He was a part-owner of Tommy Smith-trained Lucks A Lottery, who won the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) in Sydney in 1984.

Munro bred One Swanstonstreet and races the filly in partnership with four others whom he said often met at a bar in Melbourne on the eve of the Melbourne Cup. The bar's address is 1 Swanston Street.

The horse was ridden in front on Saturday by David Walsh, but was headed halfway down the straight by race favourite Te Akau Rose, who looked certain to race clear.

One Swanstonstreet responded under a mainly hands and heels ride from Walsh to fight back and get the decision by a nose.

"She's not a very big filly, but she showed plenty of heart out there," said Walsh.

It was a good day for Matamata trainers, with Mark Walker claiming the 2-year-old race (800m) with Big River.

Big River's win was most impressive. The General Nediym colt was tardy at the start which would normally end the chances of most horses over the short distance.

But rider James McDonald was able to improve Big River through the field and he easily reeled in the opposition to win by three-quarters of a length and score with something in hand.

"He won real easy," said McDonald. "He's a really nice horse going places."

Big River was purchased for $150,000 at the national yearling sales at Karaka this year, with Singapore-based former New Zealand trainer Laurie Laxon sharing in the ownership.

The horse raced in Laxon's familiar yellow (jacket) and blue diamond colours.

- NZPA