The Press

Cup hope thriving

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Doiknowyou was set for Riccarton some months ago and the sprightly eight-yearold’s build-up has subsequent­ly gone without a hitch.

Trainer Ben Ropiha identified the Gr 3 eStar Winter Cup as an ideal target for the gelding, who will strip at peak fitness for Saturday’s feature.

‘‘We’ve been planning for this race ever since he won second-up at Ellerslie in April and everything since has gone well,’’ he said. ‘‘He’s been having three weeks between races, which has been perfect, and all his runs have been pleasing.’’

Doiknowyou has been ultra-consistent with placings in the Gr.3 Rotorua Cup and the Cornwall Handicap before he beat all but Pacorus in the Kiwifruit Cup at Tauranga.

He was then freshened before he headed south to New Plymouth where he closed late over 1400m to finish eighth and less than five lengths off the winner Longchamp in the Listed Opunake Cup.

‘‘That was very good, a nice tune-up for Riccarton and he’s done particular­ly well since,’’ Ropiha said.

Doiknowyou arrived in Christchur­ch on Tuesday morning and he has settled in well at Andrew Carston’s Riccarton stables.

‘‘He flew down with Kaharau and New York Minute and he travelled as good as gold. I’m really happy with him.’’

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