Consistent southerner The Good Shepherd(NZ) (Power) will be out to turn the tables on a classy mare at Ascot Park on Saturday when he contests the Howley Joinery Handicap (1400m).
The seven-year-old has found a strong vein of form this preparation for trainer and regular rider Lee Callaway, winning at Oamaru before recording a close-up placing behind Third Decree. Most recently, he was run down late at the Invercargill course by The Grey Goose(NZ) (Reliable Man) in the Winton Cup (1400m).
The Grey Goose will be among his main rivals in Saturday’s open handicap, and while Callaway has guided the gelding’s fortunes throughout the season, he has called on Daniel Bothamley to take the ride on this occasion.
“He ran really well there last time, he drew a wide barrier so I had to push forward and go to the front,” Callaway said. “He got it quite easy out in front and fought on really well.
“I’m putting Daniel Bothamley on him on Saturday, I have to ride at 54 kilos and the horse will have to carry five kilos of dead weight if I rode him. I don’t think he’s the horse that wants the dead weight and Daniel’s a really good, patient rider.
“Over the 1400 at Invercargill, I think he needs that patient rider to have the last go at them.”
While four of The Good Shepherd’s seven career victories have come on heavy tracks, Callaway indicated a Good track is now welcomed by the son of Power.
“I wouldn’t put him on a really hard track, but I don’t think he’s a real heavy-track horse anymore,” he said.
“Since he’s gotten a bit older, he enjoys the drier surface.”
Callaway will take the ride on both of his other runners at the meeting in Empress Suiko(NZ) (US Navy Flag) and Pete’s Pride, with the latter coming off a last start win at the venue on November 24.
“Daniel rode him last time and I’ll ride him on Saturday, as he’s got another he’s been riding a bit in that race,” Callaway said.
“He won nicely and did it quite easily last start, if he can perform up to that, I think he’ll be thereabouts. He’s always been consistent and going good races, with a nice draw he’ll be a chance.”
Empress Suiko will drop back in distance in the Creation Signs Maiden (1400m), the U S Navy Flag mare chasing her elusive maiden success.
“She went really well and has come through it well. I would’ve liked to go over a mile before stepping up to 2000m, but there’s no 1600m races and I feel she can still be competitive over the 1400,” Callaway said.
“She’s still learning a lot and in her last couple of runs, she’s learnt a lot more. I think she can be competitive.”
The Waikouaiti horseman has a quartet of outside rides during the meeting, noting Albazinga(NZ) (Belardo) (Marquee and Party Hire Handicap, 1600m) and Lovelock(NZ) (Sacred Falls) (Nigel Robertson Building Southland Crystals, 2200m) as key chances.
“I’ve got another three or four rides, they’ll all be thereabouts,” he said.
“Albazinga was a little bit disappointing last time, but over the 1600 and if she can put her best foot forward, I think she can be a very good chance.
“Lovelock ran second last start, so I definitely rate him a chance, he’s been racing very honestly and I get along with the horse well.”
