Wait no longer

Timing was a key factor in the decision to back-up Wait A Sec in Sunday’s Group I Livamol Classic (2040m) at Hastings.

The seven-year-old, who is on target for next month’s Group III Christchurch Casino New Zealand Cup (3200m), was successful in the Egmont Cup (2100m) last weekend, his sixth win from his last eight appearances.

"The Livamol fits in well and then we won’t run him again before the Metropolitan on the first day at Riccarton and into the Cup," said Grant Cullen, who trains the Postponed gelding with Guy Lowry.

"He came through Hawera well and you wouldn’t have known he’d had a race. He looks fantastic.

"He didn’t get any favours there and was four wide down the back and under 59kg he kept finding the line.

"We’re under no illusions though. It’s a very good field and it’s his first go at weight-for-age, but he’s a very fit and happy horse.

The Feilding Cup was another option, but we didn’t want to risk a re-handicap."

He will be ridden on Sunday by Jonathan Parkes, who has already won six times on the horse. Wait A Sec’s rapid rise through the staying ranks this preparation has been attributed to a change in his training regime.

‘‘He came through Hawera well and you wouldn’t have known he’d had a race.’’

Co-trainer Grant Cullen