Chevron tipped to cope with unexpected
The in-form Chevron is expected to give another bold home track showing today, despite an unplanned drop in distance.
The Ruakaka five-year-old has been in fine touch over ground in his most recent outings and circumstances have forced local trainer Chris Gibbs to change tack with the gelding.
“He’s a promising staying horse and they didn’t get enough nominations for the 2100m race, so they dumped it, and that’s why he’s had to come back to the mile,” he said.
Chevron will take his place in the Harcourt Series at Ruakaka (1600m) and Gibbs remains confident the son of El Roca can cope admirably at the shorter trip.
“It obviously wasn’t what he was preparing for and we’ve changed his work around a fraction so hopefully he will be sharp enough,” he said.
“I don’t really think it will be an issue, he’s fine and was very impressive over a mile at Pukekohe a few runs back.”
Chevron was a dominant winner over 1600m in late May before he crushed his rivals by 8½ lengths at Ruakaka over 2100m and was then third over that course and distance in an open handicap last month.
Ever So Easy will take on his stablemate an unplaced last-start performance in an open sprint. “I wouldn’t be chucking him away either, over 1400m he ranged up and was then a bit one-paced so he’ll more than likely lead-up from his draw,” Gibbs said.
He will also have two representatives in the Kerikeri Cup (1100m) with Scarfi and Diamond Girl to take on a quality line-up that features Group 1 winners Entriviere and Imperatriz.
Makfi mare Scarfi has returned from an extended trip in the South Island where she won three times and Diamond Girl is racing well, but also faces a sharp rise in class.
“I sent Scarfi down to Terri Rae because she was battling a bit up here, but it turned to custard because it’s been so wet down there,” Gibbs said.
“She is a really nice mare and has been black-type placed so she will be put up for sale after a couple more runs. She’s been aimed at an open 1400m race here in two weeks.”
Diamond Girl was a first-up course and distance winner before placing at her following two outings.
“In her own class, I would be confident, but I didn’t want to step to a mile just yet so I’ve kept her very fresh. I’m sure she will run a nice race as she’s in beautiful order,” Gibbs said.
“It will be hard against these horses and it’s great for the club to see some Group 1 horses step out up here, it’s going to be exciting and the track will be beautiful.”