Cruz Missile adds to Marsh’s Salver collection

Source: NZ Racing Desk, Photo Race Images PN

The Listed Barfoot & Thompson Gingernuts Salver (2100m) has become one of Stephen Marsh’s favourite stops along the road to the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m), and a last-gasp triumph by Cruz Missile (NZ) (Savabeel) at Pukekohe on Sunday gave the Cambridge trainer his third win in the last four years.

Marsh had previously won the Salver with Scorpz and Milford, who both went on to make their presence felt in the Derby. Scorpz ran third to Sherwood Forest and Two Illicit in the 2020 edition of the Ellerslie classic, while Milford was runner-up behind Rocket Spade a year later.

Cruz Missile comes from a similar mould to Milford, both being sons of super-sire Savabeel and both racing in the distinctive green, blue and yellow silks of Lib Petagna’s Elsdon Park – colours that were also carried by Marsh’s 2019 Derby hero Crown Prosecutor.

Sunday’s Salver marked the first step up beyond a mile for Cruz Missile, who had made a favourable impression from his three previous career starts. He produced an eye-catching late run for second on debut over 1300m at Hastings, then failed on heavy ground at Tauranga before a dominant last-start maiden success over 1560m at Rotorua.

In a messy race, Cruz Missile landed in a perfect position sitting in third on the rail as Highly Vindicated and Loosespender set a sedate pace in front.

There were a few nervous moments after rounding the home turn, with jockey Michael McNab trying to angle Cruz Missile to the outside but being held in a pocket by Bitcoin.

By the time Cruz Missile finally found clear air, Devildom had dashed through along the inside and opened up what appeared to be a winning break.

But Cruz Missile worked through his gears and lengthened stride impressively in the final 150m, snatching victory right on the line by a long head.

Cruz Missile is the fourth stakes winner raced by Elsdon Park this season behind One Kiss, Milford and Lost And Running.