Awapuni trainer Mark Oulaghan is hoping he can get his hand in the till once more this weekend with his top jumper Berry The Cash (NZ) (Jakkalberry) who will contest the Fairview Motors Waikato Hurdle (3200m) at Te Rapa.
The seven-year-old gelding has been in a purple patch of form, placing first-up over 2200m at Waverley before winning over the same distance at Woodville, and was first past the post in the Manawatu Hurdle (3000m) last start.
He will head north to Hamilton this week where he will be met by some stiff opposition, including last year’s winner Nedwin.
“Nedwin is obviously a good horse, it is quite a nice field,” Oulaghan said.
“We are pretty happy with the way he is. He has done everything right, so he should put in a good show on Saturday.”
Berry The Cash will be joined on the float trip north by stablemates Dal Kilchoan (NZ) (Indy King) and Super Spirit (NZ) (Super Easy), who will contest the SVS Starting Gates Hurdle (2800m) and Waikato/BOP Racehorse Owners’ Association Steeplechase (3900m) respectively.
“Dal Kilchoan has won a steeplechase, but we are just kicking him off, it is just a conditioning run for him in the maiden hurdle,” Oulaghan said.
“The other horse (Super Spirit), if he jumps okay, he should go well.”
Closer to home, Oulaghan will head to Trentham on Saturday with two runners, including Pinkerton (NZ) (Niagara) in the Baxters Catering 1600 and Semper Magico (NZ) (Per Incanto) in the Hallmark & Stone Parliamentary Handicap (2200m).
Pinkerton has won two of his three starts this preparation, while Semper Magico will be looking to recapture some form.
“If the track is loose down there it will suit them, but if it is puggy, it won’t be quite their thing. There is a bit of rain forecast for tomorrow (Friday), so that will help them,” Oulaghan said.
“Pinkerton is a good back runner and usually runs on strongly.”
