Mo’unga (NZ) Explosive in Group Two Kaikoura Cup Victory

Mo’unga (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight) kicked his final New Zealand Cup goal with his scintillating victory in the $60,000 Group Two Alabar Kaikoura Cup (2400m) on Monday.

The NZB Standardbred graduate exploded away from his rivals to score a big win in the last feature lead-up event before next week’s Group One New Zealand Cup (3200m).

In winning for trainer Regan Todd and driver Robbie Close, Mo’unga showed every strength required to be a New Zealand Cup contender.

The pacer began brilliantly before settling into the trail and then leaving his rivals chasing his shadow in the homestraight.

“It just worked out perfectly,” Todd said.
“Robbie didn’t panic, he handed up to the right horse.”
“When the pressure went on a lap out it was good.”
“I was just worried about getting round that last bend, but he won nicely.”

Mo’unga was purchased by Phil and Glenys Kennard’s PI & GJ Kennard Bloodstock Ltd when he was offered by Breckon Farms at the 2020 National Yearling Sale at Karaka.

The Kennards race the brilliant pacer with his trainer, as well as Jim and Anne Gibbs, Gary and Keryn Woodham, Cameron Kirkwood and the Breckon Racing Syndicate.

The group will meet on Tuesday morning to decide whether Mo’unga will be aimed at the New Zealand Cup.

“We will have a good think about the cup now and have a yarn between us all and see if we go to next Tuesday,” Todd said.

Mo’unga isn’t guaranteed a start in the New Zealand Cup, however his explosive winning performance should see his ranking for the million dollar feature rise significantly.

The five-year-old has always shown outstanding potential, with Todd and Close working hard to develop him into a more tractable racehorse.

The pair have done exactly that, with Mo’unga confirming his place in New Zealand’s open class ranks with his Kaikoura Cup win and his prior victory at Addington.

“I knew he had good standing start manners, so it was just a matter of getting him away and getting him to settle and he did that,” Close said.
“It is a massive credit to the owners and Regan, they’ve stuck loyal with me.”

The final field for the Group One New Zealand Cup will be confirmed on Wednesday.

An outstanding field is set to include many NZB Standardbred graduates including Merlin (NZ) (Art Major), Don’t Stop Dreaming (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight), Alta Meteor (NZ) (Mach Three), Republican Party (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight), Sooner The Bettor, (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight), Dalton Shard (NZ) (Always B Miki) and more.