David Haworth’s two runners at Trentham on Saturday are a pair of full-brothers – Orlov (NZ) (Sweynesse) and Subsonic (NZ) (Sweynesse).
Haworth co-bred and shares in the ownership of both geldings, who are by Sweynesse out of the Guillotine mare Diamond Cut.
“They’re both in on Saturday and they’re both really well,” Haworth said. “Hopefully there’s no more rain in the Wellington area and the track stays around that Soft7 mark. If it does, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them both run big races.”
Seven-year-old Orlov is already a 10-time winner from a career that spans 42 starts, and he will take his place in the field for Saturday’s Listed James Bull Rangitikei Cup (1600m).
Orlov is perhaps better known for his deeds over longer distances, picking up placings in this season’s Listed Wanganui Cup (2040m) and Hawke’s Bay Cup (2200m) along with an impressive last-start win over 2050m at Wanganui on April 27.
But he has also won three races over 1600m, and Haworth is hoping to see him put his best foot forward in Saturday’s $80,000 feature.
“He’s dropping back to the mile, which I’m hoping he’ll be able to get away with on a Soft7 track,” the Foxton trainer said. “He’s not a real winter galloper, so there’s not a whole lot else around for him at this stage of the season.
“Hopefully we can get into a reasonable position from the draw (gate 11) and not have to do too much work. I really think track conditions will be a big factor for him. If it stays similar to what it is at the moment, I’d expect a bold run from him. The horse is bloody well.”
His three-year-old brother Subsonic will line up for only the second race of his career in Saturday’s Waterforce (1600m). He made his debut over 1350m on April 27, crossing the finish line in eighth place.
“I’m very pleased with him and he’s a horse that needs a mile and probably further,” Haworth said. “I think the track will suit him.
“He had that first race for experience, and he’s definitely taken a heap of improvement from it. I think he can run a big race too.”