Recent import exceeding expectations

LIFE in New South Wales continues to agree with Cormoran Strike.

Joining astute trainer Brad Hewitt’s stable last June, the former Kiwi has notched four wins and two placings from seven starts, with his latest victory coming at Club Menangle last Saturday night.

“He has exceeded expectations,” Hewitt said. “He’s come here as a seven-year-old which has had 90-odd starts and raced at a good level in New Zealand, but I never had grand plans for him.

“I expected him to get the job done, but he’s measured up to the better ones here, which is a bit of a surprise.

“I’m not getting ahead of myself with him though and will just keep taking each week as it comes and see how he goes.

“If he does manage to keep going the way he is, I’ll look at some of the better races over summer, including interstate.”

With Hewitt in the cart, Cormoran Strike led from barrier three before being eased to take a trail behind Gandhi Mail.

Angled away from the pegs at the top of the home straight, the son of Creatine sprinted to a two-and-a-half metre win from the frontrunner.

Almighty Fear was 11 metres away third as the winner rated 1:56.4 over 2300 metres.

“That was another good run from him,” Hewitt said. “He’s come off the speed this time, whereas he led and won last time, so he is showing he can be pretty versatile.”