Kipkeino
Race Images Palmerston North
Success on the flat this campaign may not prevent Kipkeino from a change of direction.
The Waipukurau gelding is the winner of six races and he has been well-educated for an upcoming race day introduction to hurdling.
"I would love to jump him at some stage this winter," trainer and part-owner Lucy de Latour said.
"He's done a fair bit of schooling and he's not getting any younger."
The eight-year-old was given a spell after he had finished midfield behind Jimmy Mac in the Gr.3 New Zealand Cup at Riccarton following a similar effort on the first day of the Christchurch spring carnival in the Listed Metropolitan Trophy Handicap.
"That was a big trip for both the horse and trainer as well," de Latour said. "It was a great learning curve, but we did need a shower of rain."
Kipkeino will get his favoured rain-affected going on Saturday when he makes the third appearance of his current preparation in the Nelson Pine Handicap at Awapuni.
The last of the Sunray gelding's wins came in the race 12 months ago when he accounted for the talented wet-weather performer Bel Sorriso.
De Latour has been satisfied with both of Kipkeino's lead-up performances this time around, a fifth in the Foxton Cup following an opening sixth in the Listed Rangitikei Gold Cup.
"I've been pleased, he's going well and hopefully he will continue to improve," she said. – NZ Racing Desk.
The Waipukurau gelding is the winner of six races and he has been well-educated for an upcoming race day introduction to hurdling.
"I would love to jump him at some stage this winter," trainer and part-owner Lucy de Latour said.
"He's done a fair bit of schooling and he's not getting any younger."
The eight-year-old was given a spell after he had finished midfield behind Jimmy Mac in the Gr.3 New Zealand Cup at Riccarton following a similar effort on the first day of the Christchurch spring carnival in the Listed Metropolitan Trophy Handicap.
"That was a big trip for both the horse and trainer as well," de Latour said. "It was a great learning curve, but we did need a shower of rain."
Kipkeino will get his favoured rain-affected going on Saturday when he makes the third appearance of his current preparation in the Nelson Pine Handicap at Awapuni.
The last of the Sunray gelding's wins came in the race 12 months ago when he accounted for the talented wet-weather performer Bel Sorriso.
De Latour has been satisfied with both of Kipkeino's lead-up performances this time around, a fifth in the Foxton Cup following an opening sixth in the Listed Rangitikei Gold Cup.
"I've been pleased, he's going well and hopefully he will continue to improve," she said. – NZ Racing Desk.