The Brian and Shane Anderton-trained Gallant Boy prevailed in the open 1400m sprint and Patrick Erin the open middle-distance feature.
Both gallopers were bred by Pat Smith of Christchurch who also shares in the ownership of the pair and their dam, Mega Babe. Both by are by White Robe Lodge sire Gallant Guru.
The 6yr-old Patrick Erin, named after Smith, got a tick of approval from North Canterbury jockey rider Chris Johnson who produced one of his typically brilliant rides to win race 8.
"He travelled nicely all the way and found a nice kick when he got into the clear," Johnson said.
"I was lucky to get on him and hopefully I can stay on him."
Johnson is in the box seat to ride the horse should he progress through to his main aim, the Wellington Cup late next month.Brian Anderton expects Patrick Erin to have two more runs as he progresses towards the classic race.
"There is a meeting at Invercargill later this month and he will race there over 2100m, and then we will have to find another race for him after that," Anderton said.
Patrick Erin ran down a brave Come Fly With Me to win, while his stablemate Tommy Tucker put in a huge performance to charge into third under his massive 61.5kg weight.
The horse’s first showing of form this season delighted rider Jacob Lowry.
"He is just as honest as the day as long. The other horses were well above average and being a length or two off them and giving that kind of weight, it was a big run," he said.
Patrick Erin’s victory completed a hat-trick of wins for the Anderton stable after Gallant Boy won race 7 and Raise You Ten triumphed in race 8.
Gallant Boy scored by the barest of marginswhen running down Johnny Jones in the shadows of the post under rider Corey Campbell.
The horse was likely to be targeted at the Timaru Cup later this month, Brian Anderton said.
