Pike pondering plan of attack
Tony Pike is keeping his stakes options open with Cyber Attack. The Cambridge trainer will monitor the youngster’s progress and the weather before he decides which challenge he sets the in-form son of Shamexpress.
“He might head to the Ryder Stakes and he could be a nice horse for the Wanganui Guineas,” Pike said.
“Obviously, the Ryder Stakes is at Awapuni and looking at the races there today the track is very deep and testing, which could be a concern.
“We could freshen him up and head to Wanganui.”
The youngster had no trouble going one better in yesterday’s Majestic Horse Floats 1200m at Te Rapa.
He raced on the leader’s quarters before taking control 250m from the post and dashed away to score by two and three-quarter lengths.
“He was very good today and getting more professional,” Pike said.
“He’s strengthening up and he gave a good kick at the 200m. He was dominant at the finish.”
Verry Elleegant produced an eyecatching finish from the back to cut the pacemaker Lady Lira out of second money.
Meanwhile, Andrew Forsman was in a jocular mood following Ambitious Winner’s hollow victory earlier in the day.
“I understand there are a few slots left in the Everest, we’re keen to have a crack,” he said, tongue in cheek.
Forsman was understandably in high spirts as Ambitious Winner has been in outstanding touch this preparation.
His victory in the True Colours Children’s Health Trust Handicap (1400m) was his fourth from his last seven starts.
Ambitious Winner was given an economical trip yesterday by Matthew Cameron, sitting behind the pace and one off the fence.
Ambitious Winner hit the front 150m from home and then drew clear to score by a length and a-quarter.
Temple Tiger fought grimly to the post to edge the pacemaker Stradivarius for second money and Red Tsunami battled on for fourth.