Karaka Quinella at Grafton

NZB graduates were just too good at Grafton yesterday, coming home one, two in the A$150,000 Listed Elders Grafton Cup (2350m).

In a driving finish Twin Wing (Istidaad x Tiger Moth) claimed victory by a short neck from Frozone (Reset x Ice Maiden) who put up a gallant challenge. Ridden by Jay Ford, Twin Wing led out of the straight and stayed on strongly, upping the tempo when asked at the 600m. Frozone made his move at the 200m and at one stage got his nose in front but Twin Wing surged again to win.

The Grafton Cup is proving to be a favorite for kiwi gallopers�with Twin Wing, who is trained by Guy Walter, placed third in this race last year forming part of a NZB graduate trifecta.

Yesterday's win brings Twin Wing's career tally to nine wins and 16 placings from 49 starts for earnings of $476,950 giving the rising eight-year-old an impressive record of being in the money for 50 per cent of his runs.

By Istidaad and out of Tiger Moth (Sky Chase), Twin Wing was purchased as a weanling by Riverslea Farm, NSW, for $14,000 from Phoenix Park at the 2003 Karaka Weanling and Broodmare Sale.

Frozone was purchased by Bailey Racing Australia for $200,000 from Waikato Stud at the 2007 Karaka Premier Yearling Sale. By Reset and out of Ice Maiden (O'Reilly) the promising four-year-old has earned two black type placings and six wins and from his 22 career starts.