Former northerner Humbucker (NZ) (Iffraaj) has thrived since joining Ellis Winsloe’s Gore barn a few months ago.
The five-year-old gelding has won two of his three southern starts and placed in the other.
He continues his good run of form established by former trainers Peter and Dawn Williams in Auckland, for whom he won a race and placed on five occasions from 11 starts.
“We have had him for about five months and he has fitted in really well,” Winsloe said.
While Winsloe has been impressed with his stable newcomer, he does hold concerns about the son of Iffraaj being lumbered with 60kg in the Dynes Transport Tapanui Cup (1335m) on his home track on Sunday.
“I am bit disappointed with the weight,” he said. “On Tuesday morning he had 55kg and when Kelvin Tyler’s rating 88 horse came out he was raised five kilos, which I think is pretty harsh.
“If we win the Tapanui Cup we don’t have many options.”
Humbucker has drawn barrier three and will be ridden by Kylie Williams.
“It is not going to worry him what he draws really, you can place him anywhere,” Winsloe said.
While the Listed Hazlett Stakes (1200m) at Wingatui on Boxing Day wasn’t originally on the cards for Humbucker, Winsloe said he is now giving it serious consideration.
“We are eyeing a lot of things,” he said. “I have got the Hazlett to look at now. I wasn’t planning on heading there at this stage because he is only a three-win horse.”
Winsloe will also have two other runners in on Sunday but said both will need the run.
Irish Envy (NZ) (Ekraar) will be first-up in the AON Insurance (1200m), while Mi Jadore (NZ) (Ekraar) will also be looking for her maiden win in the Hokonui Honda/Harlwich Contracting (1335m).
“Irish Envy showed plenty of speed for us earlier on,” Winsloe said.
“She is probably going to need the race because it is her first run back. She has got a bit of ability, I have got a bit of time for her.
“The other mare will come to it, but she will need the race.”
