Sea Shepherd set for bold run
Saturday, June 3, 2023
AUCKLAND: Southern galloper Sea Shepherd will take one step closer to his major winter target when he heads to Wingatui tomorrow to contest the rating 83 Mosgiel Tavern Handicap over 1400m.
Trainer Sabin Kirkland has circled the group 3 Winter Cup over 1600m at Riccarton on August 5 as his gelding’s main aim this preparation, but the son of Zacinto will do the remainder of his preparation in the care of Canterbury trainers Michael and Matthew Pitman.
“We are heading away to Europe to travel around France and Italy, so he is going to go to Pitty’s, with the longterm plan being the Winter Cup,” Kirkland, who also partowns the son of Zacinto, said.
Before he grabs his passport, Kirkland would like to get another win on the board with Sea Shepherd this weekend and he is confident of another bold run following his last start winning effort over 1600m at Ascot Park.
“He went super last start with 60kg on his back,” Kirkland said.
“He has got a nice weight at 58kg on Sunday, he has won on the course, and I think the conditions [heavy10] will suit him.”
Kirkland is also looking forward to lining up promising 3yrold Imabuster in the 1400m maiden later on the card.
The son of Iffraaj has had two starts to date, his most recent start a runnerup effort over 1200m at Riverton.
Kirkland was rapt with the run and is confident of going one better this weekend.
“I think he is really going to suit that 1400m,” he said.
“We have got a good hoop [Sam Weatherley] aboard, he has drawn well [barrier 5] and I think he will be very hard to beat.”
Meanwhile,
Kirkland is anticipating the return of his quality sprinter Buoyant.
The 4yrold gelding was in hot form last spring and early summer, winning three and placing in two of his five starts, including triumphs in the group 3 Stewards Stakes over 1200m and the listed Hazlett Stakes over 1200m.
Kirkland then set his sights on Australia with the son of Dalghar, but it has not been smooth sailing for the gelding, who has had a spell since a barrier incident earlier in the year.
“He arrived in Australia in early January,” Kirkland said.
“He had a late scratching in what was meant to be his first start. One of the starter’s attendants went up to stop a horse beside him and he halfpie went off. He has got to go back to the trials.”
Buoyant is in the care of Bendigo trainer Matthew Enright who is eyeing an early spring preparation with gelding.
“He is back in work and is better than ever,” Kirkland said.
“He [Enright] really likes the horse. We haven’t got any set plans at this stage. There are so many opportunities over there.
“We are looking to line him up in late July.” — SENZ Racing