Swettenham Stud shuttler Equiano maintained his winning momentum this week when Essaka overcame a slow start to win at Nottingham on Tuesday.

Essaka (2c Equiano – Dream Vision by Distant View) was sent out an odds-on favourite and appreciated a drop back in distance to win the Racing UK Stakes (1000m).  “He’s been something of a frustration in recent weeks,” trainer Mick Channon said.  “He’s been taking a keen hold in his races and ruining any chance of getting home.

“Our plans were scuppered today when he was slowly away.  We wanted to go forward and make the running.”

Essaka came good at the half way point, stalking the front runners before being unleashed inside the final furlong to deny Penalty Scorer in the shadow of the post.

“He does whatever we ask at home and will only get better in time,” Channon continued.  “He’s a real shell of a horse with ability that belies his physique.  He will be a different horse next year once he grows into himself.”

The Nottingham result was the fourth win in five days for Equiano following Desert Force (Newbury) on Friday and Dark Reckoning (G3 Ayr) & Lacing (Newmarket) on Saturday.

Equiano (Fr) has sired 15 individual first-crop winners in UK-Ireland this year and he is currently covering his latest southern book at Swettenham Stud for a $16,500 (inc gst) service fee.

ESSAKA