Johnson’s choice the key
Michael Pitman is tipping a much better home track showing on Friday from Flying Ibis.
The Riccarton horseman, who enjoys a successful training partnership with his son Matthew, is expecting the sevenyear-old to go close to victory in the skilled hands of Chris Johnson in the open mile.
Flying Ibis was a winner on the course three runs back and then placed before he was out of the money in the Listed Great Easter Stakes.
‘‘He had to be re-plated before the race, which wasn’t a major deal, but the track was very puggy and it will be totally different this time,’’ Pitman said.
‘‘The horse is very well and Chris is sticking with him. He’s number one down here and he could have ridden three or four others in the race.’’
The stable will also be represented by Night Nurse, who will be partnered by Samantha Wynne.
‘‘She’s no good until she gets out into the open and drawing eight of eight will help. ‘‘I expect big improvement from her,’’ Pitman said.
Meanwhile, Dynamic is his choice of three runners in the open sprint.
‘‘He’s definitely the horse to beat,’’ Pitman said. ‘‘He’s very honest, he’s got a great record at Riccarton and Parvesh Shaikh is the most under-rated rider jockey down here. Enzo’s Lad is a chance for some of the money and he’ll be going out for a break after this while Jazzman is one dimensional.’’
Meanwhile the stable have black type hopes for their inform mare Elfee. The Pitmans have been impressed by the former Peter and Dawn Williams-trained mare, who steps out in the Rating 75 event. Elfee has posted two wins from her new quarters and most recently she finished strongly for third.