Riverton trainer Kelvin Tyler will be represented on both islands in the coming days, starting with Wingatui on Friday where he will line-up a trio of runners.
He will have a two-pronged attack in the Grand Casino 75 1600 courtesy of last start placegetters Classic Diva (NZ) (Proisir) and Zambezi Zipper (NZ) (Highly Recommended), and he is hoping the former can step up in particular on Friday.
“Classic Diva has disappointed because she looks good and works really well but on raceday she just doesn’t step up how we think she should,” Tyler said.
“We have taken the blinkers off and hopefully that is going to change a bit for her. She probably wants the track a bit better there (rated a Soft6 on Thursday morning), we haven’t had a lot of rain here, but it is only a small field and it’s a winnable race for her I think.”
Tyler will also line-up Vamos (NZ) (Vadamos) in the Ray Kean – Property Brokers 65 1600.
“Vamos just over-raced over 2000m at Riccarton so we have brought him back to a mile,” he said. “He is working well and looks good. I think he is a strong miler at this stage, even though he will get over ground eventually.”
Meanwhile, further north at Trentham on Saturday, stablemates Lightning Jack (NZ) (Per Incanto) and Prince Alby (NZ) (Sacred Falls) will contest the John Cryan 2200, with the Heavy track Tyler’s biggest concern.
“Lightning Jack looked a bit dour last week,” he said. “He seems as bright as can be this week. I am a bit worried of how deep the track is going to be at Trentham, I am just going to go for a drive tomorrow (Friday) and see how the track is.
“He is a horse that likes to get out in the open spaces. He is only a small horse, but he is a big striding horse, so he needs plenty of clear air. It’s not a big field, so there should be plenty of room.
“Prince Alby in my eyes should of won the Rotorua Cup (Listed, 2200m), he still hasn’t seen daylight. I am really happy with him, he looks magnificent and has been working really well. He won’t mind the track, so he will be a good chance.”
Tyler has enjoyed campaigning in the north and said they may have one final run before returning south.
“We will just take it race-by-race,” he said. “There is another nice staying race at Otaki in a couple of weeks’ time, so we might hang around for that.”
