Savile Row cut to suit
claimed his only Group One win when he rode the rail home in the 2011 Thorndon Mile aboard Booming at the Wellington venue.
‘‘I’ve haven’t got one since Booming so another one would be good,’’ Tanaka said.
Tanaka has guided the Lisa Latta-trained Savabeel colt Lincoln Blue to stakes wins at his past two starts in the Wellington Stakes (1600m) at Trentham and the 3YO Salver (2100m) at Ellerslie.
‘‘I haven’t ridden him since that last race but Lisa told me his trackwork has been very good,’’ Tanaka said.
‘‘His wins were in easier fields and this time we are up against better horses so it’s a good test for him. He’s got an awkward barrier draw but he’s got good gate speed and he’ll go forward. I expect him to go a really good race. I’m looking forward to seeing how good he is.’’
Tanaka rated Lincoln Blue as the best three-year-old he has ridden, placing him slightly ahead of Survived, whom he rode to win the Gr.3 Hawke’s Bay Cup (2200m) in his 3-year-old season in 2013.
‘‘I’ve never ridden a Derby horse before. It’s a new experience for me so it’s a good test for me too,’’ Tanaka said.
Tanaka will also shoot for Trentham stakes success aboard Group I winner Iamishwara in the Group III Anniversary (1600m) and Kairanga Lad in the Group III Trentham Stakes (2100m).