Favourite Ata Rangi has ended his long string of placings with a gutsy win at Warragul’s King’s Birthday Monday meeting.
The gelding was left at the start but trainer/driver Kyle Marshall didn’t flinch and dropped Ata Rangi to the rear of the field, allowing him to settle.
Despite being blocked for a move forward, Marshall kept Ata Rangi on the rail to wait for his opportunity.
With a lap to go, he had the rest of the field in front of him but Marshall pulled him three wide to have a crack for the lead as they turned for home.
In a courageous finish, Ata Rangi reached the post 1.4 metres in front.
It was an excellent meeting for Kyle Marshall Racing, with Can Be A Ruebe winning the $17,500 Warragul Pacing Cup in the next event.
READ MORE: Favourite Can Be A Ruebe storms to win in $17,500 Warragul Pacing Cup final >>>>
Main photo: Ata Rangi reaches the post.
Ata Rangi now has three wins and 13 placings from his 20 career starts, and earnings of A$26,300.
On the Australian tote, Ata Rangi paid $2.40 for the win and $1.40 for the place. In New Zealand, Kyle Marshall Racing supporters earned $2.30 and $1.10 at the TAB.
Watch the replay
Photo finish
Result
Race 5: June 9, 2025
$7,000 Ken Miller Memorial Pace, 1790m
1 Ata Rangi (Kyle Marshall)
2 City Rockstar
3 Popcorn Friday
Margins: 1.4m, neck
Times: Mile Rate: 1:56:0 First quarter: 29.8. Second quarter: 30.1. Third quarter: 28.8. Fourth quarter: 29.0..
