Champion: Christen Me scored a narrow yet decisive victory in the Gr.1 $250,000 Trillian Trust Auckland Cup Photo by Harness Racing New Zealand
Kiwi superstar Christen Me is the Australian Pacing Gold Grand Circuit champion again.
The Christian Cullen gelding recorded back to back titles following his enthralling victory in last night’s Gr.1 $250,000 Trillian Trust Auckland Cup at Alexandra Park.
In an epic finish, Christen Me nosed out Australasia’s fastest mare Adore Me while Ohoka Punter was a further half neck away in third place in the 2700m mobile feature.
The time of 3;13.8 was a National record, shaving two seconds off the previous mark which was held by Tintin In America.
“That was a great race to be a part of and it’s very satisfying to get the victory, this is my first Auckland Cup success and I won’t forget it because this horse is very special to me because he’s taken me all over Australasia.” Winning driver Dexter Dunn said.
Despite some high profile scratching’s during the week, the race never lacked any action.
Classy mare Lancewood Lizzie flew off the gate and took the early lead before quickly being set upon by Ohoka Punter and then Elios who gained control within the first 500m of the event.
Race favourites Adore Me and Christen Me both settled back in the field after starting from second-line draws.
Mark Purdon was the first to make an early move with his champion mare Adore Me and quickly raced on the outside of Elios who continued to roll along at high speed.
Stablemate Smolda soon followed three-wide and then provided cover to Adore Me who gained a one out/one back trail.
Meanwhile, the newly crowned World Driving champion Dunn sat patiently near the rear of the field with Christen Me.
Entering the back straight for the final time, Smolda quickly raced to the lead after overpowering Elios while Adore Me loomed menacingly on the outside.
Christen Me gained a brief trail on the back of Jason Rulz before Dunn eased wider passing the 500m marker.
In a classic stretch duel, Adore Me and Christen Me went to war while Ohoka Punter made ground via the passing lane.
At the finish, it was Christen Me who prevailed by the barest possible margin over a gallant Adore Me who raced awkwardly coming off the back straight.
“I actually thought I went too early but he was travelling so well, I let him run and he was in for the fight.
“He races very well on the fresh side and always felt comfortable; it was great driving him cold.
“We took the murphy blind off following his warm-up and he actually raced really well without that piece of gear. I’ve got to thank Cran (Dalgety – trainer) and Murray (Howard – foreman), both have done a super job with this horse this season.”
The mile rate was 1;55.5 with the last half covered in 56 seconds.
The Auckland Cup triumph adds to the Miracle Mile and Victoria Cup which Christen Me claimed on the Australian Pacing Gold Grand Circuit this season.
