TRIAL NEXT WEEK, THEN AUCKLAND RACE ON JUNE 26
Saveapatrol pleased driver Regan Todd with is second Rangiora workout since coming off a long layoff on Wednesday, June 10.
Last year’s Auckland Cup placegetter was untroubled to come off a 40m handicap to beat Usain Colt (20m) and That’s Hunting Pink (40m) in a 2600m workout.
He paced the 2600m in 3:23.1, the leaders quickening over their last 800m in 56.6s and final 400m in 27.3s.
A week earlier Saveapatrol ran home nicely for a head second to fellow 40m backmarker Cyclone Kiwi first-up in a similar 2600m Rangiora workout.
The winner went 3:21.5 on that occasion after moving up parked over the final 800m with Saveapatrol getting a drag up and not being asked for a serious effort in the run to the line over the last 800m in 58s.
“He will trial next week then race at Auckland on June 26,” said trainer Mark Jones.
“If all goes good he will head to Queensland to race through July.”
Twice The Delight, another in the Mark Jones stable looking to resume at Auckland this month.
Also heading north next week for Auckland racing will be last start Nelson winner Pomme Roy and 3YO filly Twice The Delight, who resumed with a smart run at the Rangiora workouts on Wednesday.
Pomme Roy has a suitable race at Auckland on June 26.
Twice The Delight finished only two lengths from former Hunter Cup winner Choise Achiever in Wednesday’s mobile 2000m heat, won in 2:29.9 (2:00.5 mile rate), with the leaders running their last 800m in 55.9s and final 400m in 26.9s.
The Bettor’s Delight filly was freshened after running sixth to Magic Oats when last racing at Ashburton in a 1:55.5 mile on February 7.
“I have our own barn up here so have 10 to race up here,” Mark said.
Four of the team already based at Pukekohe will race at Alexandra Park on Friday night, namely maiden trotters, Kowhai Monarch and Landora’s Girl, along with Oasis Dream (resuming in a junior drivers race), and intermediate squaregaiter Sunoflindenny.
Last week’s good debut 2YO filly winner Real Torque has been withdrawn from a C1-3 fillies and mares pace and will be reserved for a more suitable race in upcoming weeks.
Mark will also drive at Auckland this week, taking the reins behind Landora’s Girl and Sunoflindenny, while he has also picked up an outside drive behind the Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen-trained Vice Consul in the C4-7 handicap over 2700m.
He will also have four racing at Addington on Friday, and possibly three at Oamaru on Sunday.
By Jeff Scott