Sargent closing in on premiership
It’s not quite a case of mission achieved but John Sargent is well on his way.
Two years ago he set up a second stable at Riccarton with the view of enhancing his chances of snaring another national trainers’ premiership.
This could, and should be the season. Sargent is a comfortable leader on the table with 98 wins. Closest to him is Kevin Myers with 76, then Michael Pitman with 70.
The next fortnight will prove pivotal whether Myers can launch a comeback through his large number of jumping horses, but it’s going to be a tall task considering the gap between them.
An integral part of Sargent’s success this season has been the South Island branch which is run by Andrew Carston. They have contributed 29 winners from limited runners – a pleasing result for the stable foreman.
‘‘This time last year I think we had around 22 winners, so to be on 29 now is great,’’ Carston said. ‘‘And I think we will add to that number too. Last year I only had two in work at this point, whereas at the moment there are 16 horses in the barn and I think most of them are capable of picking up a race before the season is over.’’
Carston will get a chance to add to the tally today where he has four Sargent runners engaged at Riccarton. None are absolute standouts, more just solid each way chances, who will take their opportunities if they present.
‘‘It’s not the best team I have ever taken to the races. But if things go right for them we could get a winner, but it’s going to be hard work.’’
The stable has runners in both of the day’s features – the Amberley Cup and the open handicap 1200m event. Both carry a stake of $25,000.
Bad girl Pinzee lines up in the feature sprint and Carston is hoping she will leave her barrier issues behind this week.
The six-year-old mare is a noted trouble-maker in the gates and often finds herself left behind when the field jumps – a big disadvantage against quality opposition.
‘‘I’m concerned about her missing the start again, I’ve made some gear changes in the hope it will settle her down, but you can’t really teach an old dog new tricks so it depends on what mood she shows up in. If she was to show up in the right mood, I think she would run a good race – she’s got a nice weight on her back and would be a show.’’
The testing Kiwi Hussler tackles the Amberley Cup but will be hoping for a miracle turnaround of form if he is to figure in the finish.
‘‘He’s a cunning bugger but one day he will decide he wants to win, and do exactly that.
‘‘He’s actually got his jumping ticket now, so don’t be surprised if you see him going over the fences in the near future.’’
Carston holds higher hopes for the stable’s other two runners today – Why Wait and Winning Genes – who both gave good performances the last time out.
‘‘If I was putting $5 each way on any of the team I think it would be those two. Why Wait probably should have won a race by now, I thought he would have, and Winning Genes rarely goes a bad race.’’
Lee Callaway will ride Winning Genes and Pinzee, David Walsh is aboard Why Wait, and Robbie Hannam takes the mount on Kiwi Hussler.