Cup focus for Patrick

The Gr. 3 Wellington Cup (3200m) is the focus for Patrick Erin after an impressive Boxing Day win at Wingatui. The Gallant Guru gelding unleashed a breath-taking finishing burst under top jockey Chris Johnson to confirm a trip to Trentham.

Trained at Wingatui by Brian and Shane Anderton, the six-year-old has 10 wins from 20 starts.

Motorbike Mike was in full flight and apparently heading for victory while Patrick Erin was caught in traffic with around 150m to the winning post in the KB Contractors Handicap (2200m).

Johnson didn’t panic, hooking off heels and setting off in pursuit.

“When he got clear he sprinted well,” Shane Anderton said.

“He’ll go straight to the Cup now and Chris ( Johnson) said he was pretty strong to the line and he had trouble pulling him up.”

Johnson is expected to stick with Patrick Erin for the Trentham feature on January 20 with TAB odds-setters tightening him from $9 into $8.

Sensei confirmed plans for bigger assignments with his win under Johnson in the Speight’s 2&3YO (1200m).

The Michael and Matthew Pitmantrained three-year-old son of Dream Ahead over-raced early before settling.

The handsome colt knuckled down in the straight to reel in and move clear of The Sparkler with Kiwi Ida closing hard late for third.

He will now head north for the Levin Classic on January 13 or the JR & N Berkett Telegraph a week later.