Waitak’s class and versatility will stand him in good stead at Trentham where he chases a fourth top-flight title.
He has triumphed over 1200, 1600 and 2040m at the highest level on good, soft and heavy tracks and Wexford Stables have him in tip-tip order for Saturday’s Gr.1 TAB Mufhasa Classic (1600m).
“He’s been an amazing racehorse for us and goes well on all kinds of going, he’s quite versatile and definitely enjoys getting his toe in the ground,” said Andrew Scott, who trains in partnership with Lance O’Sullivan.
“He’s going as well as he can and we do have a lot of respect for the others in the field, it’s a really good Group One race.”
Waitak ended his spring campaign with wins in the Gr.1 Howden Insurance Mile (1600m) and Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) before a break.
“The team have been really pleased with him and gave him a week on the farm and a bit of trotting and cantering work before he came back in the barn,” Scott said.
“He had that trial last week and we were pleased with him under a beautiful rein and Craig (Grylls, jockey) was really happy with him as well.
“He had a nice hit-out on Tuesday morning and stormed up the straight, so we are hopeful of getting a good result.”
Waitak has been sent south in the company of younger brother Crackerol, who is also in good form ahead of the Rothley Handicap (2100m).
“His recent racing has been very solid and this is his first attempt over the longer trip, but his fitness and confidence levels are high so we thought we would take the opportunity to get him over ground,” Scott said.
“He has trained on well and the conditions should suit him nicely.”
Closer to home at Pukekohe, Wexford will have the promising duo of L’Aigle Noir and Yamato Satona going head-to-head in Saturday’s Gr.3 Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m), while a new face will partner three of the stable’s undercard contenders.
“L’Aigle Noir put in a top performance fresh when he won at Rotorua and has worked well and we certainly think he’ll give a strong account of himself,” Scott said.
“He’s got a barrier draw (one) that will help, and he’s trialled well right-handed in the past.
“Yamato Satona has taken a bit of making and we’ve seen more focus in his training and we think he’s another that will relish going further over the summer months, so he should be hitting the line well.”
Queensland-based Heavelon Van Der Hoven will be making his New Zealand debut and has been booked by Wexford for Genki (Dunstan Horsefeeds, 1600m), Dua Dance (Yourride, 1200m) and Up The Anti (Myracehorse, 1500m).
“Leith Innes said he was coming over and all the feedback is that he’s a very competent rider, professional and does his form,” Scott said.
“Genki is a promising stayer, there’s no reason why Dua Dance won’t be hard to beat if she puts her best foot forward and we also expect Up The Anti to run well.”