Tony Pike-trained juveniles Boombox and Ashoka ran their second quinella of the month in the ITM/GIB 2YO Championship Final (1200m) at Ruakaka on Saturday, with Boombox getting the better of his stablemate on both occasions.
The talented pair had their first clash in a 1200m race at Ellerslie on June 7, where they fought out a tight finish and Boombox edged out Ashoka by a head.
That Ellerslie assignment marked Ashoka’s raceday debut and the second start for Boombox. With the benefit of that experience under his belt, Ashoka ($2.60) was the favourite to turn the tables on Boombox ($4.20) in Saturday’s $60,000 rematch. Instead, Boombox increased his winning margin.
Most of Saturday’s seven-horse field pushed forward out of the gates in search of the lead, but it was Boombox and jockey Triston Moodley who came out on top after the first 150m. They controlled the speed from there and were travelling well up to the turn.
Ashoka was in close pursuit and loomed as a threat, but he got his head to the side and drifted wide around the corner. Boombox stayed perfectly straight along the rail and kicked hard in the straight. He quickly put the result beyond any doubt and opened up a winning margin of two and a quarter lengths.
Ashoka took second by a length and a quarter, with the Stephen Marsh-trained Battle Tycoon and Miss Moet All completing an all-Cambridge first four.
“I was planning to go forward, and then I just let him do everything on his own terms,” Moodley said. “He showed in the straight how good he is.
“He’s definitely improved since his last-start run at Ellerslie. He was still a bit green that day, but he was a lot more professional today.”
Saturday marked the fourth edition of the Winter Championship Finals at Ruakaka, and Pike has now won the 2YO Final on two occasions. He saddled Pacific Dragon to win the inaugural edition in 2022.
Pike was represented on course on Saturday by Chris McNab.
“They don’t seem to be making much ground from the back today, so we told both riders to try to jump and run in the first 100m,” McNab said.
“Boombox kicked away impressively in the straight. He definitely has the makings of a very nice three-year-old next season.
“The other horse was pretty green too and has plenty of improvement to come. He was just inclined to get on one rein.
“We’re looking forward to what’s in store for both of them.”
Bred by Alan Jones and Edwina Morris, Boombox was purchased for $50,000 by Jim Bruford under his Brewers Bloodstock banner from the Berkley Stud Book 2 draft at Karaka in 2024. The Spirit Of Boom gelding is the first foal out of five-race winner Viaductress and comes from a family line that includes dual Group Two winner King Ivor.
Boombox has now had three starts for two wins and $58,500 in stakes. – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk.
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