Cambridge trainer Tony Pike is confident Field of Gold (Starspangledbanner) will handle the step up in class and distance when he steps out in Saturday’s Gr.3 War Decree Stakes (1600m) at Riccarton.
The talented three-year-old has won both of his starts this season and Pike said he has continued to see improvement from the son of Starspangledbanner.
“His work through the week has been super,” he said. “I can’t fault the horse.
“He has probably improved off that first-up run, he is still a little bit green off the bridle.
“He should continue to improve off that run and be extremely hard to beat on Saturday.”
Field of Gold will be partnered by Kozzi Asano who rode him to his last start victory in the Guineas Trial (1400m) at Riccarton.
“Having Kozzi go down with the team, he knows the horses so it is a huge help,” Pike said.
Pike will also be represented by impressive two-year-old Stimulant and consistent mare London Bound at Riccarton.
Meanwhile Pike said Tutukaka (NZ) (Tavistock) appears to have come through yesterday’s victory in the Listed Geelong Classic (2200m) well and is on track for next week’s Gr.1 VRC Derby (2500m).
“I haven’t talked to Tony Noonan (who is looking after the horse) today but he sent some videos through and he looked in great order,” Pike said.
“Obviously we won’t need to do too much between now and next Saturday, he will probably just do a bit of quiet work on Tuesday and away we go.”
