Michael and Matthew Pitman have two runners assured of a start in the $100,000 Polytrack Championship (1200m) in a fortnight, and they hope to add to that number at Riccarton’s synthetic track on Wednesday.
The local trainers have nominated Zoulander (NZ) (Zoustar), a winner in his last two starts on the surface, and have opted to freshen the gelding ahead of the feature. His stablemate, Justanace (NZ) (Swiss Ace), will appear at this week’s meeting in the Cavall Leitch Rating 75 1200, where he has drawn the ideal gate in one.
“He (Justanace) races well on the poly and his aim is the $100,000 race coming up during National Week,” Michael Pitman said.
“He goes best when he draws in, which he has done tomorrow, and even though he drew out at his last start, he went a super race. He should be very competitive tomorrow, he should get the run of the race from the ace draw.
“Zoulander has been freshened up and will get in on a very light weight, which is great for a horse in form.”
Also accepting into the Rating 75 contest is Eastandwest (NZ) (Charm Spirit) and Russian Rosette (NZ) (Russian Revolution), who are further down the order for the Polytrack Championship. After racing keenly in his last couple of starts, Eastandwest will have the services of senior hoop Brandon May, while Russian Rosette may bypass the race after starting on Sunday at Oamaru.
“I’m currently in Australia, so I’ll talk to my son this afternoon as to whether she (Russian Rosette) starts or not, she went to the beach this morning and we’ll take it from there,” Pitman said. “She may be reserved for another day.
“The 1200m should suit Eastandwest, and so will a senior rider. He’s not the easiest horse to ride, but in a small field, we can drop back and make one run.
“He’s on trial for the big race as well.”
The Pitmans have over a dozen runners throughout the 10-race card, and they are confident the likes of Jetstream (NZ) (Ferrando) (Vast Billboards Maiden 1200) and Pure Artist (Trapeze Artist) (South Projects Maiden 1400) can be competitive in the South Island’s final meeting of the season.
“Charbano, Jetstream, Tomyturbo and Pure Artist are all nice chances, but as are the rest, we’ve got a nice team in tomorrow,” Pitman said.
“We’ve been behind the eight-ball throughout the season, but after the most recent races at Riccarton, we’re three clear in the South Island premiership, which is great. I was confident we could do it with the team we had, and we’ve had a fantastic run over the last few weeks. “Most of our good horses came back in work on the 1st of July, the likes of Mystic Park and Third Decree.”