Riverton trainer Kelvin Tyler holds a strong hand heading into his home meeting on Sunday, where he is hoping to secure several winners’ cheques.
“I have got some nice chances and some of the fields aren’t that big and strong, so hopefully we can have a good day,” he said.
In-form gelding Vamos is a dual acceptor for the Phil Bevin Spraying Handicap (1600m) and Sparrow Logging Handicap (2147m), and Tyler will leave it closer to the day before deciding which race he targets.
The six-year-old son of Vadamos won two consecutive races before finishing runner-up over 1600m at Ascot Park earlier this month, and Tyler is hopeful he can return to winning form this weekend.
“I can’t fault him, he is absolutely thriving,” Tyler said. “He looks amazing, as he always does, and his work has been excellent. He will handle a wet track, so he is going to be a great chance no matter what race he goes in.”
If he contests the former race he could be met by stablemate Master Marko, although he could be saved for Wingatui on Melbourne Cup Day, and in the latter he would be met by Prince Alby.
“I am going to put a nomination in for Master Marko at Wingatui on Tuesday and see how it comes up. I am still up in the air about that at the moment,” Tyler said.
“The wet track will help Prince Alby. The Riccarton track is just too firm and he is not letting down. Hopefully he gets a chance on Sunday back to a wet track and in a field that is probably a big step back on what he has been racing against. A bit of weight off his back is going to help him too (with three-kilogram claiming apprentice Kendra Bakker aboard). He will give Vamos a run for his money if Vamos runs in that one.”
Tyler will have a two-pronged attack in the Ricki Egerton Dagging Handicap (1400m) courtesy of Go Lotte and Sight To See.
“Go Lotte has got a bit of weight (57.5kg with the assistance of apprentice jockey Floor Moerman’s claim). She has been a bit disappointing, so hopefully she can recapture her form.
“It’s Sight To See’s first run back since the Warstep (runner-up, Listed 2000m). She won’t mind a wet track, so she should be a good chance.”
Tyler is particularly upbeat about the chances of Indie Ardie in the Doug Horrell Contracting Maiden (1600m), where she will likely be met by stablemate It’s Marlin.
“She (Indie Ardie) is a really good horse,” Tyler said. “I am really surprised she hasn’t won a race. I thought she would have won half of her starts, that’s how good we think she can be. It looks quite a winnable race on paper and her work has been unreal. I will be disappointed if she can’t get her first win.
“It’s Marlin will probably go to the mile. He doesn’t want it too heavy, he wants a bit better track, but he won’t be getting that. On his home track in a small field, we will roll the dice I think.”
Tyler will also be represented by Fourofus in the Howley Joinery Maiden (1400m), Quick Call in the Wrens Handicap (1600m), and Monaghan Boy and More Sass in the Grant Horrell Contracting Handicap (1200m).
“Fourofus is going really well,” Tyler said. “With the really firm track at Riccarton, he has just been jarring up a bit, so he will appreciate a bit of give in the track.
“Quick Call is a bit of a handful on the training track. She is probably running out of chances, but we will roll the dice.
“Monaghan Boy is in his first run back. He doesn’t want it too heavy, but it is a local meeting and he will definitely improve with the run. He is certainly forward enough to go a big race.
“More Sass has got a lot of ability, is a little bit fragile mentally, but if she decided to do everything right, she will take a bit of beating.”