Talented winter galloper Spencer (NZ) (Derryn) will be chasing his third win in succession when stepping up in the Taradale Club Handicap (1200m) on Saturday at Hastings.
Spencer has been a consistent performer for Waverley horsewoman Erin Hocquard this season, producing three wins including back-to-back successes at his most recent starts in Rating 75 grade, despite nearly dislodging Lisa Allpress when crossing the line at Otaki.
“He was really good again at Otaki, it was a shame he had to shy at the post but that’s just him, a bit quirky but still good to deal with,” Hocquard said.
“I thought he may have gotten a bit braver this year, but he’s just still got it in him, and he can be pretty quick when he does shy.
“I’ve had him since he was a two-year-old and ride all of his trackwork and he’s done it to me so many times. I just expect it from him now so I’m usually ready for it.”
The son of Derryn will come up against a couple of seasoned open gallopers on Saturday but will carry the 54kg minimum under Allpress.
“There wasn’t really any other options for him apart from the 1200m on Saturday or it was getting a bit far between races, but the wet track will make it further anyway,” Hocquard said.
“I will totally leave it up to Lisa, she knows what she’s doing.”
Spencer holds a Gr.3 Winter Cup (1600m) nomination for early August, and Hocquard hopes to test him at stakes level prior to a trip south after trialling the heavy conditions on Saturday.
“We may go to the Opunake Cup (Listed, 1400m) depending on how he handles the wet track over at Hastings,” she said.
Hocquard prepares Spencer for her former employer Aidan Schumacher and his brother Kieran, who also entrusted her with Otaki contenders Billy Echo (NZ) (El Roca) and Jerricoop (NZ) (Zed).
“They started sending me horses when I went out on my own, and I still like to help them out when I can with their foals. They still have plenty of horses up there,” she said.
