Ginner Hart ready for Makfi
Punters shouldn’t read too much into Ginner Hart’s last-start sixth when assessing chances for the Group I Makfi Challenge Stakes at Hastings tomorrow.
Whanganui trainer Alexander Fieldes believes the shifty Slow9 ground at Te Rapa (July 16) didn’t suit Ginner Hart in the sevenhorse field.
‘‘He had to be pushed up to hold his spot,’’ Fieldes said.
‘‘He was one of many that didn’t like it and the [Te Rapa] experts tell me not to worry about it.’’
Ginner Hart has had two starts leading into the Makfi, unlike last year when he produced a fresh up third in the 1400m event.
‘‘We’ve got a good draw, track to suit and a gun rider,’’ Fieldes said.
‘‘There’s probably five or six realistic chances ahead of him, but he’s ready.’’
Ginner Hart and stablemate Fogarty Fegen (3-year-old race) will be ridden by North Canterbury jockey Chris Johnson.
Eight-year-old Ginner Hart has raced eight times at Hastings for four wins, two thirds, a fifth and an eighth. Three wins were at the Hastings spring carnival.
Ruakaka stablemates Valley Girl and Hasselhoof travelled to Cambridge yesterday on the first stage of their journey to Hastings.
They will represent trainers Donna Logan and Chris Gibbs in the Makfi.
Valley Girl and Hasselhoof returned from spells to score a win and a third, respectively, in an open 1200 at Ruakaka on August 6.
Hasselhoof was not as forward as Valley Girl going into that race, Logan said.
‘‘You can really see a difference in him now, his coat’s looking better . . . he’s taken a lot of improvement out of that race.’’
Valley Girl had also benefited from the Ruakaka race.
‘‘We’re pleased with both of them,’’ Logan said.
Mongolian Falcon, drawn the outside barrier of 10 in the 3-yearold race, and Barabas, accepted for a special conditions 1200m, are others in the four-horse team Logan and Gibbs are starting at Hastings.
Logan will be in charge of the Hastings runners, while Gibbs is in for a busy time at tomorrow’s Ruakaka meeting with 18 members of the stable lining up.
Zafrenzy (rating 85 1200m) was the best Ruakaka chance, Logan said.