FAMILY OF MELBOURNE CUP WINNER TO FORE

Placed in four of six, Halston (3 g Reliable Man – Cold Shoulder, by Volksraad) sealed the deal in $12,000 Matamata Function Centre Maiden 1600 metres on 30 March at Matamata.

Engaged at late notice to replace Michael McNab, declared unwell, rider Samantha Spratt quickly asserted intentions of going forward from barrier 12 to sit second. Despite working on a solid tempo, Halston travelled well approaching the home turn and kept lengthening when asked to respond.

“He quickened a bit off a strong pace, but pretty one paced,” Spratt said. “The leader didn’t really give us a drag into it for very long and I thought he might doodle around, but he gave again. It was a huge effort.”

On ideal footing (Dead5), Halston ran 1600 metres in 1:35 and held firm in betting to pay $10.00 & $3.30 on NZ TAB tote.

Given time (35 days) after racing over 1600 metres at Pukekohe, Halston has benefitted from a patient approach.

“He got a little hot beforehand, which they can do on their home track, but blinkers certainly helped his concentration,” said co-trainer Pam Gerard.

“He needs to go forward, has a high cruising speed and appreciated a genuine pace. At present, he can’t sit back and sprint, which he has been asked to do. He just needed to go forward, even from the wide draw and it was good to get the job done.

“He’s always shown ability but a slower maturing type and he hasn’t furnished yet. He has hardened in condition in the last couple of months but still has a fair way to go. It’s a slower maturing family and On The Rocks was the same.

“We had hopes for him as a Derby horse, but he has needed the time both physically and mentally.

“He deserves his chance up in grade after winning, but once the tracks turn he can have a break which will do him the world of good.”

Owned by Cambridge Hunt, B. P. & Stephen Hunt, Halston is from the family VRC Derby and Melbourne Cup winner Efficient (Zabeel), bred and owned by Graeme Hunt.

Halston is a half-brother to Group 1 winning former stable-mate On The Rocks (Alamosa), selected by Paul Moroney Bloodstock and purchased for $40,000 as a yearling, along with half-brother Guillotine (Montjeu), a Group 2 winning stallion.

As is the case with Halston, most in family are greys including stakes winners Refused To Dance (Defensive Play), Dancing Flojo (Amazing Dancer) and Florida Jig (Jig Time).

Halston was strapped by Rathore Singh.