Capone Captures Taranaki Cup

An exciting finish in the $80,000 Group 3 Hooker Pacific Taranaki Cup saw the NZB South Island Sale graduate Capone take the feature race on the card at Pukekura Raceway on Saturday.

The Group 3 victory was the first for the Danica Guy trained and part-owned Capone (Al Akbar x Good Hearted) who came into the Taranaki Cup after running unplaced after a tough run in the Group 1 Thorndon Mile at his last start.

Ridden by Noel Harris in Saturday’s race, the son of Al Akbar raced mid-field before getting clear at the top of the straight and just getting the better of rival Fairway Wish (Sandtrap) at the post to win by a nose.

Karaka graduates completed the race quinella with Fairway Wish (Sandtrap) finishing second and Jetset Lad (Elusive City) third.

Capone was bred by Deborah Clark & Myles Gordon and is the 17th stakes winner for his sire Al Akbar. Raced by his trainer Danica Guy with Mrs GV Guy, Capone has now won seven of his 49 starts for just under $170,000 in stakes.

Capone was purchased by Upstage Bloodstock from Long Acres Stud at New Zealand Bloodstock’s 2008 South Island Sale of 2YOs and Mixed Bloodstock for $16,000.

Danica Guy is having a successful season on the track having seen Gobi Ranger win the Group 3 Eclipse Stakes in January at Ellerslie.