Group One performer Miss Tycoon Rose (Written Tycoon) looks in for a strong spring campaign judging by her return to racing at Ashburton on Monday.
The Michael and Matthew Pitman-trained four-year-old cruised to victory in the Sims Bakery, Cakes For Every Occasion, an Open 1200m handicap.
“We don’t trial our good horses as we don’t believe in going to the trials. We were pretty happy with how she has been going and that is basically what we expected of her,” Michael Pitman said of last season’s Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) runner-up.
“She is a Group One horse.
“I am going to talk with (managing owner) Jim Bruford in the morning. There are a lot of races that we could have a crack at through (New Zealand) Cup week.”
The middle day of the Carnival presents a trio of options including the Gr.2 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile (1600m), the Gr.3 Valachi Downs Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) and the Gr.3 Lindauer Stewards Stakes Handicap (1200m).
“I think she would be competitive in any one of them, depending what we aim her for,” Pitman said.
“My first thought is we will probably concentrate on the fillies and mares 1400m.
“If we look after her, there are a lot of good fillies and mares races in New Zealand and that is what we are hoping to aim at throughout the season.”
Earlier on the card talented three-year-old Mackenzie Lad made a pleasing return when fourth over 1200m behind Art De Triomphe.
“We’re very happy with that run. His coat hasn’t turned yet. He got caught three and four wide all the way and was doing his best work over the last little bit,” Pitman said.
“He is probably a month off being there and the 2000 Guineas (Gr.1, 1600m) is his target.”
