Callsignmav returns from spell at Awapuni
Hawke’s Bay trainer John Bary believes today’s group II Kevin Pratt Memorial Manawatu¯ Challenge Stakes (1400 metres) at Awapuni, Palmerston North, is the ideal race for resuming group I winner Callsignmav.
The 4-year-old son of Atlante stunned punters when winning the group I Tarzino Trophy (1400m) in spring at odds of 80-1 and backed that performance up with a third placing to Melody Belle in the group I Windsor Park Plate (1600m).
Bary is confident his charge is well-prepared for the assignment after a trial at Taupo¯ last month, where he finished a close second over 1050m.
‘‘He is about forward as he was before the first group one of the season,’’ Bary said.
‘‘We were thrilled with his trial at Taupo¯. He wasn’t going to trial there, but we snuck that one in, which was good.
‘‘We were going to trial at Foxton the other day, but it was a heavy10, so he did an exhibition gallop at Hastings, which was pleasing.
‘‘He had been down to Waipukurau and galloped in company with Miss Labasa, so we have kept it up to him.
‘‘Once he was in the paddock after the second day at Hastings we just thought ‘where’s next?’...
‘‘His main aim is this race and then we are looking at Te Rapa in February (group I BCD Group Sprint, 1400m) and then the Haunui Farm WFA (group I, 1600m) two weeks later. We will decide after Saturday if we need a run in January.’’
Longer term, Bary is keen to try Callsign Mav over ground and said the gelding, who prefers racing lefthanded, will sport visor blinkers today for the first time.
Connections of Callsign Mav have become accustomed to wide barriers and today he will jump from the outside gate of eight, with Jonathan Riddell to ride.
‘‘From out there we can stride forward and Jonathan can decide what he wants to do if Amarula or something decides to lead,’’ Bary said.
Bary will have a two-pronged attack in the weight-for-age contest, with Motivation backing up after finishing seventh to Coventina Bay in last Saturday’s group III J Swap Sprint (1400m), where he was blocked for a run at a crucial stage.
‘‘He didn’t get much of a run on Saturday, he travelled up and not saying we would have got first or second, but if Julius wasn’t in the way we might have made a bid for third or fourth,’’ Bary said.
‘‘He is really well. If we can get black-type for the horse it is good for his family and for Christopher Grace’ breeding operation.’’
Bary believes the Mastercraftsman 6-year-old is best suited to 1400m, but knows the weight-for-age conditions are againstmotivation.
Seven-time winner Hugo The Boss will also be in action at Awapuni in the Japac Homes 1200, with Bary keen to test whether the 7-year-old, who was last seen on race day back in March, still has the zest for racing.
Kate Hercock, who has been away from race day riding for the best part of a decade, but has ridden 238 career winners, will ride Hugo The Boss and she partnered him to a jump out victory in preparation for his return. ‘‘Katie is just down the road and is making a comeback. She rides a lot of work for us, she galloped Callsign Mav through the spring when we wanted her to.’’
NZ Racing Desk