Easter Handicap next for Cannon Hill

Apprentice jockey Hyeontaek Oh nearly made the perfect start to his New Zealand riding career at Ellerslie on Saturday, but he was denied in the final few strides by Champion jockey Opie Bosson, who urged Cannon Hill to victory in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai 1300.

The son of Ardrossan, who was stepping back from a mile, was taken back from his outside barrier by Bosson, who bided his time before asking his charge to improve three-wide from the 600m.

Master Fay loomed ominously three-wide at the turn and made his way to the lead and looked to give Oh his first win in New Zealand, however, Cannon Hill closed late out wide to nab him on the line to win by a long head, with race favourite Yaldi a length back in third.

Trainer Tony Pike was pleased to see Cannon Hill return to form and said he will now return to Ellerslie in a fortnight to contest the Gr.3 Manco Easter Handicap (1600m).

“He has taken a long time to strengthen up and he has run some very good races with not a lot of luck,” Pike said. “He was a long way back at Tauranga last start and was one of the few closers on the day.

“I didn’t want to go five weeks into the Easter, he can get a bit keen when he is fresh. This was obviously dropping a long way in trip but it was a lovely ride by Opie and it sets him up nicely for the Easter Handicap in two weeks’ time.”

While Boson felt for Oh, he was pleased to get the win and said Cannon Hill will thrive when stepping back up to a mile for the Easter Handicap.

“I feel a bit bad for him but I like winning myself,” Bosson said.

“He (Cannon Hill) travelled beautifully throughout but he got keen in the middle stages. It took him a while to wind up, so he is looking for that mile and it is a good lead-up run to the Easter.”