Pitmans hold strong hand
Stablemates Savvy Coup and Sensei will clash on Saturday in the Gr.1 Grant Plumbing Levin Classic (1600m) at Trentham.
‘‘We’re really happy with Savvy Coup, her work has been excellent,’’ said Michael Pitman, who trains with his son Matthew at Riccarton.
Twice successful during the New Zealand Cup carnival, Savvy Coup was an impressive last-start winner of the Gr.3 Eulogy Stakes (1550m) at Awapuni in the hands of Michael McNab, who will again ride the Savabeel filly.
Her yearling brother (Lot 190) will be offered by Waikato Stud during the Book 1 Sale at Karaka on January 28. Sensei wasn’t tested to win last time out at Wingatui under Chris Johnson, who will continue his association with the Dream Ahead colt at Trentham.
‘‘He’ll run in the mile and he could drop back (in trip) for the Telegraph,’’ Pitman said. ‘‘Enzo’s Lad is running at Kumara on Saturday and if he races up to expectations he’ll go to the Telegraph as well.’’
Meanwhile, the stable has a number of strong chances at Hokitika on Wednesday, including Queen Serene and Elfee in the Birchfields Coals & Landscaping Miss Scenicland Stakes (1645m). ‘‘It was a good effort by Queen Serene to win her last start and she should have won the start before as well, she was doing pacework when she clipped heels and lost her rider,’’ Pitman said.