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Candle In The Wind has an outstanding record on her home track, but connections are likely to forego upcoming opportunities to add to their Ruakaka tally.
The six-year-old’s victory there on Saturday in the Northbeam Timber Beams, Posts and Joints Handicap was her fifth from nine appearances on the course for trainers Donna Logan and Chris Gibbs.
While there are a number of meetings at Ruakaka over the next two months, Candle In The Wind is more likely to be given a break.“I might just put her away and then look to the spring, I would love to get some black type for the owners,” Logan said.
Candle In The Wind was sent out a warm favourite on Saturday, but her army of supporters weren’t on good terms with themselves for much of the home straight.The Darci Brahma mare was last on the turn and was hemmed in by Zafrenzy and rider Kelly McCulloch (nee Myers) on the turn before she was finally able to burst between runners to claim top honours.
“What a brave ride by the young man – he showed his ability and was patient and then got the gap,” Logan said.She was referring to Sam Weatherley, who has impressed in his first season of riding.
“I was lucky I could get off heels and then found a small gap,” said the 17-year-old, who is apprenticed to Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott.