Lisa Latta celebrated a winning double at Otaki on Saturday, and the Awapuni trainer is hoping to continue that form at Hastings on Wednesday.
Eight-year-old gelding Lincoln Falls got Latta’s weekend off to a winning start when taking out the Vets On Riverbank Handicap (1600m) in convincing fashion by 3-3/4 lengths.
It was a popular win by the son of Dundeel who hadn’t graced the winner’s stall in more than three years.
“I got a big thrill out of that one. We have put a lot of work into him with his tendon, and It was good to see him back to his best,” Latta said.
Latta quickly added to her winning tally, with stablemate Platinum Attack taking out the following race, the Riverstone Café Handicap (1200m).
It was the second consecutive win for the three-year-old son of Santos, who has failed to run in the money only once in his four careers starts to date.
“He has always shown a bit,” Latta said. “He got beaten second-up when he was red-hot favourite, but it was quite a wet track and he just didn’t handle it. Back onto a decent surface, he has run well.”
While he is showing plenty of promise, Latta said she will continue to take a patient approach with her gelding.
“We are just going to take him along quietly at the moment,” she said. “He is just getting better and better, and is a horse we have got a bit of time for. He will go to a three-year-old 1000m at Wellington in a fortnight.”
Looking ahead to Wednesday, Latta will have a two-pronged attack in the Per Incanto Proven Open (1400m) courtesy of Group One winner He’s A Doozy and Group Three winner Diss Is Dramatic.
“Diss Is Dramatic is getting ready to go to the Cuddle Stakes (Gr.3, 1600m) after this,” Latta said. “She has drawn a bit tricky (8) but she should be finding the line well.
“He’s A Doozy has a lot of weight to carry (62kg). I have just had a few niggles with him, but I think I have got him right now. I am just looking forward to getting him back on a decent track.”
Latta will also be represented by stakes performer Chikira Lass in the Hawke’s Bay Racing Function Centre Handicap (1600m).
“Back to the mile, it seems to be a better distance for her than over ground at the moment, she just gets up and travels a bit keen,” she said.
Latta’s Hastings team will be rounded out by Get Funky, who will be partnered by northern hoop Joe Doyle in the New Zealand Bloodstock Insurance 3YO (1300m).
