Jetset Lad Flies Home in G3 Taranaki Cup

The four-year-old Jetset Lad (NZ) raced his way to a deserved black-type victory at Taranaki on Saturday in the $80,000 Group 3 Hooker Pacific Taranaki Cup (1800m).

Trained by John Wheeler, Jetset Lad (Elusive City x Jetset Lass) raced on the speed for jockey Sam Spratt and went up to contest the lead at the 350 metre mark where he found a game challenge from Riomoral (Captain Rio). But the son of Elusive City proved too strong in the final strides, winning by a long head.

Jetset Lad came into the Group 3 off the back of a solid performance in the Group 1 Thorndon Mile where he produced a strong finish to claim third behind Say No More (Pentire).

The black-type win was the four-year-old's first from 20 starts which also saw him place in the Group 2 Wellington Stakes last season.

Jetset Lad is the 15th stakes winner for his sire Elusive City who stood at Haunui Farm from 2004 to 2010.

With a good season underway, so far Elusive City has also seen Hinemoa win the Listed Series Final at Caulfield, So Elusive claim the Pegasus Stakes at Riccarton, Hogwart's Express place in the Group 2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes, and Adamantium place in the Group 2 Autumn Stakes.

Bred by Stewarts' Racehorse Syndicate, Jetset Lad was offered by Goodwood Stud at the 2009 Karaka Select Sale. His 20 starts have netted five wins for over $130,000 in stakes.