Consistent galloper Humbucker (NZ) (Iffraaj) will step out on his home track at Gore on Wednesday in the first step towards a start in the Gr.3 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile (1600m) at Riccarton on November 15.
It will be the seven-year-old’s first race since April, with trainer Ellis Winsloe frustrated by a lack of trials and raceday opportunities that has prevented him in getting some valuable miles under the gelding’s belt until now.
“There just hasn’t been any suitable races for him down here and it is too far to travel up to Riccarton and the like just to kick him off,” Winsloe said.
“We don’t want to cart him around just for the sake of it, so he has been working here at home and hopefully that will be enough for Wednesday.
“I’m not sure what to expect but he handles all track conditions and once he strikes form he maintains it.
“The track at present is perfect, so if we don’t get any rain before the day, I think it will exactly what we are looking for.
“As long as he shows us enough we will most likely go to Wingatui with him next and then on to the Coupland’s at Riccarton.
“He ran fourth in the race last year and it would be nice to think he can go a few places better this year.”
Winsloe also has maiden galloper Mi Jadore (NZ) (Ekraar) in the fifth event at Gore where she requires a scratching to make the field off the ballot.
“Mi Jadore is in the same boat as Humbucker in that we haven’t been able to get a start for her either, so I’m hoping she gets a scratching so we can this prep underway,” he said.
Winsloe does have a mission at Riccarton this Saturday with Gr.3 Martin Collins New Zealand Cup (3200m) contender Taramea Lad (NZ) (Ekraar) set to continue his preparation for the time-honoured event in the Listed Sothys Spring Classic (2000m).
“Taramea Lad has been working well since his last start win at Riccarton and we are heading back there again on the weekend,” Winsloe said.
“I am keen to get him on a firm track as that is what he is likely to strike there for the New Zealand Cup.
“He is unproven on good ground, but I firmly believe he will handle it with no issues.“If he shows he is up to it then we are thinking about the Metropolitan (Listed, 2600m) on the first day, on the 11th (of November) and then into the Cup, but that will be dictated by the track conditions on offer.”
