Jockey Luke Currie expects Aka Daka will only get better after posting a well-deserved maiden win at Ararat.
Luke jumped aboard the consistent four-year-old for the first time in Sunday’s Midland Irrigation Maiden Plate (1600m) and gave him the run of the race to outgun the favourite
Neverenoughlego ($2.60) in the closing stages.
Aka Daka ($4) settled third on the rails with Neverenoughlego on his outside to the home turn and they fought the race out after taking different paths into the home straight.
“He (Neverenoughlego) had the tactical advantage over us being on the outside and being able to go around the leaders, but we were lucky that leader rolled off the rail and we could go through without doing anything,” Luke said.
“Going up in trip (to 1600m for the first time) he was quite keen through the run which was probably going to make him vulnerable, so we needed to save every inch of ground which we were lucky enough to do.”
Neverenoughlego cornered four-wide and hit the front approaching the 200m with Aka Daka railing through in hot pursuit.
The race was over when the Malady-trained galloper hit the front at the 100 metre post and drew clear for a three-quarter length victory, with Rhooky ($3.10) another half-length away third.
Aka Daka races in Hirsch Racing’s black and gold colours and was the resultant foal from the Frankel mare Collection Privee who was bought in foal to Too Darn Hot for $100,000 at 2021 Magic Millions Broodmare sale.
A lovely, big horse Aka Daka was gelded after a setback last year and this campaign placed at Seymour and Kilmore before his Ararat success.
He has now raced eight times for a win, a second and three thirds.
“He quite good today,” Luke said. “He just needs to learn to switch off in his races to ensure he is strong at the finish.”