A shortage of senior riders at Te Rapa has Danica Guy on the road this weekend, taking an in-form team of three to New Plymouth’s Saturday meeting.
The first of her hopes is Wild West (NZ) (Atlante), an eight-year-old son of Atlante who brought his best to the track last start, powering over the top of his rivals to score in Rating 65 grade. Guy had hoped to return to the venue of that victory on Saturday, but without a suitable rider, she’ll venture further afield with the choice of either the CD Trainers and Race Images (1200m), or the Seaton Park (1400m).
“All he needed last time was a little bit of give in the track and a strong jockey on,” Guy said. “He’s old and a bit cunning, he’ll go when he wants too.
“He’s come through that run terrific, he’s flying, but I’m heading down to Taranaki is because I couldn’t find a suitable jockey for him at Te Rapa.
“My decision making around the races there will also be tailored to the strength of the fields and the riders available, but I don’t think it’ll make much difference which race or distance he ends up in. I’ve got Kate Hercock on in the Rating 75 1200, who is a very strong rider, so if I can’t get one in the 1400, I’ll stick with that.”
A similar scenario lies ahead for stablemate Cleat (NZ) (Rios), who finished second to Hey Hey Baby (NZ) (Belardo) last start at Matamata. The lightly-raced son of Rios has accepted into the CD Trainers and Race Images (1200m) but currently is riderless as of Wednesday afternoon.
“If I can get a suitable rider for him, he’ll head down as well,” she said. “This looks like a nice race for him and if I run him there, it may be a catalyst to run Wild West in the Open 1400, so they aren’t together.”
Completing Guy’s trio is Live On Air (NZ) (Proisir), a mare by Proisir who finished less than half a length from Astoria Brooke (NZ) (American Pharoah) at her most recent effort, with that runner going on to win immediately up in grade.
Flying apprentice jockey Amber Riddell has just one victory left before she loses her three-kilogram claim, which will be of great assistance to Live On Air in the Landmark Homes 1600.
“She’s also going very well, she’s knocking on the door for a win so hopefully she can get that this weekend,” Guy said.
“She’s got three kilos off her and a bit of give in the track will help.
“I don’t think her draw (14) will be a worry, she drew wide at Te Rapa last start and jumped and put herself there pretty easily, so I’m expecting the same sort of scenario on the weekend.”