Rangiora trainer Kenny Moore is hoping Steve Austin (NZ) (Complacent) can put on a stunner performance in the Speight’s Summit Ultra On Tap Maiden (2200m) at Riccarton’s Synthetic meeting on Wednesday.
The Complacent gelding has placed in four of his last starts, and while Moore doesn’t mind collecting a cheque every time he goes to the races with the five-year-old, he is hoping he can finally clear maiden ranks this week.
“He seems to like getting placed,” Moore quipped. “But as long as I get a cheque and not a bill, I am a happy chappy.”
Steve Austin was runner-up over 2200m at Oamaru last Friday and Moore has elected to back him up less than a week later before giving him a freshen-up.
“I was very happy with him (last start),” he said. “We went in fearing Choice Moment because we took them down as well and work together at Rangiora. She had been working so well that we thought she would be tough to beat and were proved to be right.
“He has pulled up so well. I mainly put him in to make sure the race got off the ground and there is nothing for him for about three weeks, so I thought he could back-up because he is a big, strong lad.
“Hopefully he can do the job and then he can have a little freshener.”
Steve Austin has drawn barrier four in the five-horse field and will get a four-kilogram weight relief courtesy of apprentice jockey Denby-Rose Tait’s claim.
“I booked Denby because I thought I would back him up if he won and if he won he would get about 60 kilos. He didn’t win, but I am very happy to give Denby a chance, she is a very nice young lass.”
Steve Austin will be joined in his race by stablemate Franni Caccini (NZ) (Puccini), who has drawn the ace marble.
“Franni Caccini is a lovely mare. She trained beautifully on Saturday and she is certainly not much behind Steve Austin, but she is still a little bit weak yet. She is going to be a very nice mare with time,” Moore said.
Moore will also have another runner in on Wednesday in a caretaker trainer role, lining up Doubtful Sound (Not A Single Doubt) in the Racecourse Hotel & Motor Lodge Rating 65 (1400m) for Foxton conditioner Suzy Gordon.
The five-year-old gelding has won and finished runner-up on Riccarton’s synthetic track while down south and Moore is confident he can end his southern sojourn on a high this week.
“He has trained really well, I think he is a good chance tomorrow,” Moore said.
“He has stayed with us, just until this meeting, and then he is going home for a spell. He is a lovely boy.
“He was a bit of a handful when he came down, but I think the trip away has done him so good mentally, he is maturing into a lovely horse to work with. He is certainly going to be a live chance tomorrow.”
Looking ahead to the weekend, Moore will line-up Bluey’s Chance (NZ) (Remind) and last start winner Lady Telena (Vespa) at Riccarton’s grass meeting on Saturday.
“It is going to be a busy week for our little stable,” Moore said.
“Lady Telena has come through the win last week so well. We will back her up and she is going to have a little freshener after this.
“I think she will be a live chance as long as rain doesn’t come.
“Bluey is always a chance. He worked lovely this morning. He is an old chap now and is coming toward the end of his career, but he is always a place chance whenever he goes out.
“He has been amazing and has taken us on an incredible journey.”
