On track for Christchurch
Well-performed stayer Pacorus is back on track and on a path to Christchurch.
The six-year-old is in the early stages of his build-up toward the Group III Christchurch Casino New Zealand Cup (3200m) at Riccarton in November.
Pacorus enjoyed a profitable autumn and winter campaign that netted him victories in the Group III Rotorua Cup (2200m) and the Kiwifruit Cup (2100m) before illness counted him out of the Listed Taumarunui Gold Cup (2200m).
‘‘He had a blood disorder before that, nothing major, and he’s back and well now,’’ trainer Chris Wood said.
‘‘We’re looking at the New Zealand Cup for him and as to his programme, we’ll just work our way backwards from that.’’
A son of Tavistock and a Zabeel mare, Pacorus has fashioned a tidy record and an excellent strike rate of nine wins from his 31 starts.
Stablemate Roc de Bank has also been patiently handled and he will return to racing at Taupo on Friday in the Farmlands Taupo Handicap (1300m).
The five-year-old has won five times from 19 appearances, including a rating 75 success at Te Rapa at his last outing in June.
Roc de Bank was subsequently freshened and was a trial winner at Avondale earlier this month.
‘‘He trialled really well, but he is quite big in condition,’’ Wood said. ‘‘He’s still on the way up and he’s got a big weight, but he’ll give a sight.’’
Wood will also be represented at Sunday’s Counties meeting by Wooden Edge in the Lone Star Pukekohe Handicap (1400m), in which he will carry 59kg after apprentice Hairi Marzuki’s claim.
‘‘I’m happy with him, but he’s got plenty of weight as well,’’ Wood said.