Sensei can bounce back
STAR South Island sprinter Sensei will attempt to get his campaign back on track at Riccarton today after his failed Telegraph bid.
Sensei will contest race 6, an open handicap over 1000m.
The Michael and Matthew Pitmantrained 5yrold ran last in a hectic Telegraph at Trentham late last month.
Though his placing suggests he went poorly, the entire’s closing sectional times suggest otherwise.
“He actually ran the fifthfastest last 600 metres of the race, but he still only beat a couple home,” Matthew Pitman told NZ Racing Desk.
“The Telegraph was a roughly run race and nothing really went right for him.
“He was stuck last on the rail, running up [behind horses], and almost went down on his nose at one point.
“He seems to have thrived since he got back from Wellington,” Pitman said.
“His work’s been really good. He should get the firm track conditions that he likes this weekend ... if he’s anywhere near his best, he’ll probably be too good for them.”
Sensei will carry 58.5kg with rider Kavish Chowdhoory’s 2kg claim.
Wekaforce and Don Carlo look the toughest for the $2.70 early favourite to beat.
The Pitman stable has Pinup Coup starting out of her grade in the open 1800m handicap, race 3.
“She doesn’t look far away from a win,” Pitman said.
“Her run at Riccarton the other day was really good. She finished it off very nicely.”
“I think the step up to 1800m should suit her at this point of her preparation.”
Pinup Coup is handicapped to carry 54kg. Chowdhoory has the ride but unlikely to be able to claim all of his 2kg allowance.
One of her rivals is Who Dares Wins. His West Melton trainers,
Tony and Lyn Prendergast, have wasted no time in attempting to turn around the fortunes of the 7yrold who disappointed in last weekend’s White Robe Lodge WeightForAge at Wingatui. The gelding looked to have every chance but failed to run on and finished seventh.
Who Dares Wins will carry the top weight of 62kg.
Pitman singled out Highly Unlikely (race 7) and Meara Mary (race 1) as two of the best prospects his stable has entered today.
The stable has Telegraph runnerup Enzo’s Lad in today’s group 1 BDC Sprint at Te Rapa.