They might have finished close together, but Dancing Dixie and Extend will have targets in different provinces after the Otago Racing Club jumpouts at Wingatui yesterday.
The Brian and Shane Anderton-trained pair were well clear of their two rivals in the sole heat over 800m. Dancing Dixie did enough over the closing furlong to head off Extend by half a head.
Dancing Dixie, a Minstrel Court filly, had recovered from a cold and is likely to debut over 1200m at Wingatui next week, Shane Anderton said.
Extend, a 4yr-old gelding by Raise The Flag, appreciates more cut out of the ground, and might have a run at Riverton on May 4 provided the tracks get enough rain in the next two weeks.
Tyrion Lannister was seven lengths behind the Anderton-trained pair, but pleased trainer Tane Belsham considering the advanced nature of the two ahead of his Danzighill gelding.
Belsham had not intended to return to training after relinquishing his licence in the 2009-10 season, but owner-breeder Peter White asked him to train Tyrion Lannister and his 2yr-old full brother Given The Chance.
Belsham, a former leading jumps jockey, runs his own property maintenance business, which gives him flexibility to work the two horses, he said.
Results:
Weather, fine; track, good
800m maiden: Dancing Dixie T Direen 1, Extend 2, Tyrion Lannister 3. Four started. Time, 50.36. 1/2hd, 7L. Trainers, B & S Anderton.
