Richard Of Yorke (Oasis Dream) secured his maiden hurdle victory at Te Aroha last month and now a feature target awaits the promising jumper at Trentham on Saturday.
The Jamie Richards-trained nine-year-old will contest the Hydra-Cell Pumps Wellington Hurdle (3400m) where he will be ridden by regular jockey Michael Roustoby.
“We’d placed in all five jumps starts prior (to his win at Te Aroha) and I was thrilled to get the win,” Roustoby said.
“He wasn’t that confident to start with over hurdles and once he gained confidence we struck a couple of tracks that were too firm at Ellerslie. He still tried his guts out for second and third though.
“He’s struck wet tracks to suit this season, fit and ready, and Jamie (Richards) has taken his time developing him the right way.”
Richard Of Yorke placed in a 2200m highweight at Te Aroha on Sunday, boosting Roustoby’s confidence ahead of the weekend
“He went huge last Sunday on the flat at Te Aroha. The track was quite holding, but a good warm up for Trentham,” he said.
“We finished second to Chief Sequoyah at Ellerslie, but another 600m-700m and he’s improved since so I think he should go well on a track he really likes.
“He’s won there (Trentham) by over seven lengths and beaten a half head in the Parliamentary Handicap, and if the forecast rain shows up he’ll love it.”
