Karaka Graduates First, Second and Third in Awapuni Gold Cup

For the second time at Awapuni’s biggest meeting of the year on Saturday, Karaka graduates finished first, second and third in a stakes race. Leading the way was Maygrove (Authorized), who returned to winning form with a convincing performance in the $100,000 Group 2 Kamada Park Awapuni Gold Cup (2000m).

Rider Matt Cameron slotted Maygrove into a comfortable spot midfield before creeping forward approaching the home turn. The strong stayer was too tough down the straight, forging clear of fellow Karaka graduates Trojan Warrior (NZ) (Postponed) and King Kamada (NZ) (Shinko King).

It was the second stakes win in Maygrove’s career, having claimed the Group 2 Wellington Cup (2400m) in 2015.

“That was a very good effort as it was only his third start this time in and obviously his first over ground,” co-trainer Andrew Forsman told NZ Racing Desk.

Maygrove has now had 32 starts for six wins, 10 placings and more than $300,000 in prize-money for owners JML Bloodstock Ltd and P W O’Rourke.

Bred by the Laurel Oak Lady Zhivago Syndicate, Maygrove was put through the 2012 Select Sale by Haunui Farm and sold to Bruce Perry Bloodstock for $110,000.

Runner-up Trojan Warrior was a $25,000 purchase at the 2013 Select Sale, while the third-placed King Kamada cost $45,000 at the 2011 Ready to Run Sale.