The formidable training partnership of Brian and Shane Anderton will be out in force at their local meeting at Wingatui on Tuesday, for the hugely successful meeting run annually on Melbourne Cup Day.
With many first-time or once-a-year racegoers in attendance, following runners from the Anderton team often brings plenty of success as they perform with distinction on their home patch.
“It’s going to be a big day for the stable if the weather improves, as most of our runners are looking for improved track conditions,” Shane Anderton said.
“The track is rated a Heavy10 at present, but the forecast is for plenty of sun over the next couple of days so we’re hoping it can get back to a Slow8 at least.
“It’s an advantage being able to race at home as the horses don’t have any travel worries and ten minutes after they have raced, they are back in their box or paddock so there is a lot less stress on them.
“We’ve got a dozen nominated and we’d like to see them all go around as there are a few kicking off new campaigns and are ready to go.”
While the team has entries in eight of the 10 races carded, punters may have to wait for the stable’s best chance to step out in the last of the day, with promising four-year-old Our Approval (NZ) (Ghibellines) lining up for just his fourth start following back-to-back wins at Oamaru and Wingatui.
“He (Our Approval) is a horse who has come a long way in a very short time and has looked good doing it,” Anderton said.
“He is a real improver and has to step up another grade on Tuesday, but if he keeps progressing the way he has, he can be pretty competitive.
“He gets through the wet okay but if the track can dry out then that would suit him nicely.”
Anderton is also keen to see class performers Capo Dell Impero (NZ) (Ghibellines) and Burgie (NZ) (Ghibellines) put in good showings in the main race on the day, the Grand Casino (1400m), as both could feature during Riccarton’s New Zealand Cup Week Carnival later in the month.
“Burgie holds a nomination for the Gr.3 TAB Mile (1600m) on the middle day at Riccarton, but she would have to look good on Tuesday for us to take her to Christchurch,” he said.
“She definitely has the ability, although she hasn’t shown that in the spring much before, as she has been troubled with seasonal issues and the like.
“We have her in foal to our White Robe Lodge resident stallion Ancient Spirit which has really settled her down. She is also a mare that finds new ways to get into trouble during a race so we’re hoping she can get out of that habit for her last campaign.
“Capo Dell Impero is in a position where he has to carry the grandstand at the top of the handicaps every time he steps out which doesn’t help him.
“When he is right, he is a very handy horse and if he goes okay then we might find a race for him at Cup Week as well.”
Anderton also nominated maiden Lined Satin (NZ) (Ghibellines) as a good chance to kick the day off for the team in the first on the card.
“Lined Satin went a ripper in her only two-year-old start when finishing second and after a spell she came back well to run fourth first up at home here last month,” he said.
“She steps up in distance and if she can strike a reasonable track, I’d expect her to go well to get our day started.”
