Johnson masterclass with four wins

Riccarton trainer Michael Pitman believes premiership-winning jockey Chris Johnson could be in the best form of his career.

On Saturday’s results at Riccarton, it is hard to argue. Despite being away from the races for just under a month due to suspension, Johnson turned on a riding masterclass to ride four winners, a second and a fifth from just eight rides.

‘‘The Chris Johnson of 2017 is the same version of what he was in 1997,’’ Pitman said. The Pitman and Johnson association stretches back more than four decades and on Saturday they combined for two winners.

Pitman, plus his training partner and son Mat, will combine with Johnson again on Wednesday when they line up Coupland’s Bakeries Mile favourite Son Of Maher in the Group II feature.

Michael Pitman praised the commitment and focus that Johnson was showing in a season where he will be a strong chance to defend last season’s national jockeys’ premiership crown.

‘‘Chris is as light as he’s ever been because he knows he has to ride Son Of Maher on Wednesday at 52 (kg) on Wednesday. I know he’s been keeping fit and active to do that.’’

Enzo’s Lad’s feature win in the $50,000 Listed Yesberg Insurance Services Pegasus Stakes (1000m) was Johnson’s third win on the trot through races three, four and five.

The trio of rides were all stamped with the patient Johnson touch of class that is so often on display at Riccarton.

The first came aboard the ultra impressive Savvy Coup for the Pitman partnership and the second with the John and Karen Parsons-trained Starvoia.

In her first start at four, the daughter of Starcraft gave an indication of just how good she can be following an injury-plagued three-year-old season.

Johnson then finished off the day in perfect fashion with his fourth victory aboard the Brian Court-trained Director.