LOVED THE WIN BY GUS

A smart course performer at his first start, presented looking a picture, Gus The Maverick (3 g Shamexpress – Hollywood Angel, by Dehere) won the $10,000 Levena Laird 100th Birthday Maiden 1400 metres on 30 October at Te Aroha.

When debuting in February at Te Aroha, Gus The Maverick ran equal fastest last 600m (33.5) on the day when fifth over 1000 metres. Although not firing when resuming on slow footing earlier in October, the addition of blinkers saw him victorious under a confident ride by Cameron Lammas.

Overcoming barrier 10 to work forward outside the leader, Gus The Maverick travelled on the bridle, found a two-length advantage after levelling at the 300m and had them covered thereafter.

On footing upgraded to Good3, he ran the 1400 metres in 1:24.0, last 600m in 35.6, and paid the believers $34.00 & $4.80 fixed odds on the NZ TAB.

“He’s still a bit green, but learning,” Lammas said. “He was cruising, doing it nicely, and when I asked him he kicked well.”

Owned by Max Whitby and Ballymore NZ, his dam, Hollywood Angel (Dehere), impressed winning twice to 1600 metres and a half-sister to Ballymore trained Bocce (Foxwedge) who finished third in the Karaka Million (Restricted Listed, 1200m) and fourth in the Sistema Stakes (Gr. 1, 1200m).

“Max has been a great supporter and we got this horse for him after selling As You Will and No Fuss Gus,” said co-trainer Pam Gerard. “Paul (Moroney) selected him at Karaka, and he’s always shown good ability.

“I did actually think he could win fresh-up, but he got back on a slow track, and was ridden more aggressively today. He’s a little bit timid and I guess the blinkers have helped, big time. He can gallop and I’ve always thought quite a bit of him. I also think he’s a better chaser.”

Gus The Maverick was strapped by Rathore Sher Singh.