DRAGON BISCUIT IMPROVES TO WIN

Fourth on the course last time out, Dragon Biscuit (4 g Choisir – Dawning Light, by Siyouni) took out the $14,000 Generation Homes Rating 60 1200 metres on 7 February at Taupo.

Dragon Biscuit had received a nice trip when finishing fourth in the Rating 65 1300 metres on 30 December at Taupo, and a Maiden winner over 1200 metres he had no problem dropping back in trip.

Co-trainer Pam Gerard elected to take two-kilos off his back with apprentice Kelsey Hannan (a2) and it proved vital in a close finish.

Beginning well to lead, Dragon Biscuit had the company of Rabada (Per Incanto) to his outside throughout and defied him in the straight to score by a (decent) nose.

“He’s a cool horse and just does it,” said Hannan, on dismounting. “He has a big heart and kept fighting back the whole time.”

On Soft6 footing, Dragon Biscuit ran 1200 metres in 1:13.0, last 600m in 35.2, and held steady in betting to return $3.90 & $2.50 on the NZ TAB tote.

“I expected him to handle some give in the track,” Gerard said. “He’d been working well, taking two-kilos off to carry 58kg was a bonus and Kelsey (Hannan) has been riding in great form.

“He actually loves rolling along in front like that, a stable favourite, and tries hard.

“Dropping back from Rating 65 grade to Rating 60 looked made to order as well and I’m pleased for the owners that he was able to gain another win. He should take some confidence out of that, too.”

Owned by Pegasus Bloodstock, Taniwha Club, and Ballymore Stables, Dragon Biscuit sports the colours of Alan Fu (Pegasus Bloodstock).

Winner of the Lightning Stakes (Gr. 1, 1000m) at Flemington, sire Choisir (Danehill Dancer) beat the best sprinters in the world when winning the King’s Stand Stakes (Gr. 2, 1000m) and Golden Jubilee Stakes (Gr. 1, 1200m) at Royal Ascot in the U.K., before becoming highly successful at stud.

Dragon Biscuit was strapped by Scott Magee.