Newitt to ride Puccini
Prominent Melbourne jockey Craig Newitt has been engaged to ride Puccini in the A$1 million Australian Cup at Flemington. Co-trainer Peter McKay was on the lookout for a suitable rider in the 2000m weight-for-age event on March 14 after the decision was made to press ahead with the Melbourne trip, despite Puccini finishing unplaced in the Haunui Farm Gr I WFA Classic at Otaki last weekend. McKay is adamant the track, which was worse than the official Dead 4 rating, was responsible for Puccini’s below-standard performance.
Innes penalties to be decided
Leith Innes is awaiting penalties to be handed down after careless riding in the TV3 NZ Derby at Ellerslie last Saturday, while Derek Nolan has copped a seven-day suspension from the feature. Innes has been found guilty of two cases of careless riding in the Derby. At the 1500m his mount, Vavasour, shifted inwards on Giant Turtle when heading to the lead, causing that runner to be checked. Innes admitted fault but defended a charge of careless riding when Vavasour shifted in under pressure near the 150m, tightening Sealed By A Dance, who was checked. The Judicial Committee found both charges against Innes proven but has deferred penalty determination until next Saturday. Sealed By A Dance was also was checked passing the 2150m when Nymph Monte (Nolan) shifted inwards abruptly to a position adjacent to the rail. Nolan admitted a resultant charge of careless riding and was suspended for seven days up to and including racing on March 12. An investigation into J’Walke (D. Turner) being forced wider near 400m has been adjourned until Wednesday.
Awapuni target for Redeem Code
Cambridge-trained three-year-old Redeem Code booked a trip to Awapuni later this month when scoring a convincing win in the Lindsay Mile at Ellerslie last Saturday. Ridden by Matt Cameron, Redeem Code was having his third start and followed up a comfortable maiden win over 1400m at Tauranga when beating the highly promising Te Rapa galloper Stolen Dance by a length and a quarter. His Awapuni mission is the Gr III $70,000 Manawatu Classic (2000m) on March 28 and Cameron believes the staying test will suit the Shaune Ritchie-trained three-year-old. ‘‘The 2000m should be no problem for him,’’ Cameron said.
Procurement earns Cuddle
Procurement experienced a change of luck at Ellerslie last Saturday to earn a tilt at the Gr III $70,000 Cuddle Stakes at Trentham in a fortnight. ‘‘It’s been a long wait to see her do that again,’’ said trainer Stephen Marsh. ‘‘She’s shown a lot from day one but had no luck in her last couple (of starts). Her work during the week had been super and I think she’ll go on with it now.’’ Procurement was unbeaten in her first two starts but it took a further eight starts for her to record this latest win. ‘‘If she can win or go close in the Cuddle Stakes, we’ll look at the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes at Te Aroha with her,’’ Marsh said. ‘‘She deserves a crack at Group One.’’
Waller ups training operation
Sydney’s champion trainer Chris Waller is taking his already extensive operation to another level. The expatriate New Zealand horseman has purchased the Warwick Farm stables of the late Guy Walter. Waller already has yards at Rosehill and Flemington and will expand to another metropolitan base next month with the acquisition of 29 more boxes. They were formerly occupied by Joseph Pride, who will move to another barn in the Warwick Farm precinct next week.