Weight for age feature on Saint Emilion’s agenda
The Group 1 Livamol Classic could be on the agenda for Saint Emilion after his win in the Powerworx Grey 1600m at the Pukekura Raceway on Saturday.
Saint Emilion took his win tally into double figures when he lumped 60kg, six more than any other horse in the feature race, in the hands of experienced hoop Jonathan Riddell.
While co-trainer Andrew Forsman has said the New Zealand Cup was on the agenda for 5-yearold son of Mastercraftsman, Riddell said he believed he could be at Hawke’s Bay this Saturday.
Saint Emilion is nominated for the feature weight-for-age race but is 18th in order for the 2040m race.
Riddell gave Saint Emilion a lovely ride as he jumped well and settled. From there he travelled well on the worsening ground but had a fight down the straight with outsider Watch Your Man before finally getting on top and winning by half a neck.
‘‘It was a nice win and he relaxed nicely outside the leader,’’ Riddell said. ‘‘He fought to the line like he always does.’’
‘‘I know he’s in next week at Hastings and they were waiting to get through this run with him. Hence why he ran today to get that run into him and knowing them they will probably back up.’’
Saint Emilion was resuming following a five month break. The slow nature of the New Plymouth track wasn’t ideal for Saint Emilion, but his class was apparent.
Saint Emilion has has gone from a Rating 75 success last October through to open handicap victories in the autumn at Ellerslie and at Te Aroha, as well as a runner-up finish behind Chenille in the Listed Hawke’s Bay Gold Cup. Meanwhile, Forsman had a slight reservation about Bonniegirl continuing her outstanding first-up record on Saturday, but any doubt was quickly put to one side.
The Cambridge trainer, who prepares the black type contender with Murray Baker, watched with pride from across the Tasman when she bolted away with the NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race.
‘‘I was just a little bit concerned that she might get into an awkward spot from the draw, but it was all over in 200 metres once she got to the front,’’ said Forsman, who was attending to stable runners at Ellerslie.
Bonniegirl crossed the field under Riddell to make the running and when she was given more rein into the straight the Darci Brahma mare left her rivals to it.