Drummonds dream of glory
El Pescado would realise a dream for Frank and Faye Drummond with victory in Saturday’s Group I Makfi Challenge Stakes.
Not only would it give them their first elite level win as owners but would be a massive boost to the credentials of his sire El Hermano who the couple stand at stud. Their Cheval Stud is located at Pukeatua near Te Awamutu which, according to Frank, ‘‘has the kindest soil God ever created – Maeroa Ash’’.
There must be something in that soil because the stallion who began his stud career commanding a modest $500 service fee, may have the strongest representation of any stallion in the Group I race.
Along with El Pescado, Cambridge trainers Tim and Margaret Carter have El Hermano’s son Farm Boy while the Matamata stable of Karyn McQuade has Under the moonlight poised on the ballot.
Success of his progeny has seen El Hermano demand a $4,000 fee nowadays which is well short of the $65,000 Tavistock commands.
Tavistock is the other sire with dual Makfi representation through Hasselhoof and Longchamp.
"It’s interesting to compare service fees,’’ Drummond joked. ‘‘We’re just hoping this weekend gives him [El Hermano] a kick along.’’
Despite 30-odd years in the thoroughbred industry, El Pescado will be just the popular couple’s second runner in a Group I race.
‘‘We had Sent To Sea run in the Telegraph but unfortunately it was found after the race that she had a bit of colic,’’ Drummond said.
‘‘We haven’t raced a lot of horses because we’ve generally sold them.’’
El Pescado would have followed suit but failed a vet test when under offer after he won his first two starts.
‘‘When he won at Te Rapa at his second start we had seven international calls from buyers while we were in the presentation room after the race.
‘‘Now we are happy we were able to hold on to him.’’
The 5-year-old gelding has won five times from 15 starts and has been the architect of his own undoing with less than perfect racing manners at times.
He’s overcome that since teaming up with regular jockey Cameron Lammas who knows how to get the best out of El Pescado.
Experienced Tauranga trainer Stu Manning is the man who puts the final polish on the horse and he believes he is in the shape to frighten his highly regarded opponents.
Meanwhile race favourite Kawi is the catalyst for the Racing Integrity Unit pushing for earlier notification of horses that have undergone surgery.
Trainer Allan Sharrock revealed that at the conclusion of Kawi’s previous preparation the gelding underwent minor wind surgery in an attempt to rectify a breathing issue.
He has been happy with the results during the current preparation.
‘‘At the moment, we don’t have to be advised until up to an hour before a race,’’ RIU general manager Mike Godber said.
‘‘It’s a grey area and we have a rule going to New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing to tighten it up so we are advised as soon as is practical.’’
The son of Savabeel, who won a trial at Foxton last month, currently heads the Makfi market at $4.20 ahead of joint $5.50 second favourites Stolen Dance and Valley Girl while El Pescado is at a generous $31.