PINZU IN THE PINK FOR CUP
Huppatz backs his outsider from outside lane
DESPITE running from an outer barrier (11) hoop Barry Huppatz is confident he and the Chris Pollard-trained Pinzu will be in with a genuine chance in the $70,000 Ladbrokes Alice Springs Cup (2000m) at Pioneer Park from 5.10pm today.
The seven-year-old is a newcomer to the Pollard stable this year, and has made steady improvements with each race in the Top End.
The miler’s first Darwin win came two starts ago on April 15, following consecutive seconds on the Fannie Bay track.
And despite the gelding finishing eighth in the $30,000 Red Centre Technology Partners Chief Minister’s Cup (1600m) last week, his jockey feels he is still in with an opportunity today.
“I’m pretty confident going into it, as confident as anyone will be really,” Huppatz told the Sunday Territorian.
“Considering the barrier we drew we will need a bit of luck to help us but we’re a chance for sure.
“If there’s a little bit of pace that will suit him nice building into a position where he can get comfortable and hopefully then we can finish it off.
“That was a good win in Darwin, everything panned out nicely for us and he got the job done. He’s a horse that’s improving all the time.”
The duo will have their work cut out for them, with big contenders including Angela Forster’s Lotion and Gary Clarke’s double act of Java and Final Hearing.
The 55-year-old jockey will also be competing in the $60,000 Peter Kittle Motor Company Pioneer Sprint (1200m) with Will Savage’s Super Bryan, who ran second last start on April 18.
“I’m pretty confident with him as well, I liked how he went last start. Once again we will need some luck to help us, as is often the case with these bigger races,” Huppatz said.
“Overall, I’m happy as I could be with how my season has gone so far. I take advantage of every mount I’m given the opportunity to ride and I’m just enjoying riding in this time.”