First Serve
Race Images Christchurch
Michael and Matthew Pitman are expecting First Serve to go close to a successful return to racing on her home track on Saturday.
The Riccarton trainers have the Swiss Ace mare in good order for the opening of another black type campaign in the New Zealand Bloodstock Sprint.
"Her work has been very good so we're reasonably confident," Matthew Pitman said.
"She has strengthened up a lot and while she is going to improve with the run, she is very well and fit enough at this stage."
First Serve, whose only career defeat came when runner-up to Xtravagant in the Gr.3 Cambridge Breeders' Stakes, has the New Zealand Cup carnival as her major priority.
The four-year-old will target the Listed Yesberg Insurance Services Pegasus Stakes Handicap and the Gr.3 Lindauer Stewards' Stakes Handicap.
Stablemate and Group One performer Son of Maher also has an important engagement at the carnival.
"He holds a nomination for the Coupland's Mile," Pitman said of last season's Gr.1 Levin Classic runner-up.
Son Of Maher will also make a fresh start on Saturday in the Stallion Tender - riccartonpark.co.nz Rating 75.
"The 1200 metres might be a bit short for him, but he's got the class and he'll be doing his best work late," Pitman said.
Samantha Wynne will be aboard both First Serve and Son of Maher, as well as other genuine winning chances Zakynthos (Speights Mid Ale Maiden), Maher Moment (SI Racing Awards 16 September Maiden) and Night Nurse (NZ Cup Meeting Tickets on Sale Rating 75). – NZ Racing Desk.
The Riccarton trainers have the Swiss Ace mare in good order for the opening of another black type campaign in the New Zealand Bloodstock Sprint.
"Her work has been very good so we're reasonably confident," Matthew Pitman said.
"She has strengthened up a lot and while she is going to improve with the run, she is very well and fit enough at this stage."
First Serve, whose only career defeat came when runner-up to Xtravagant in the Gr.3 Cambridge Breeders' Stakes, has the New Zealand Cup carnival as her major priority.
The four-year-old will target the Listed Yesberg Insurance Services Pegasus Stakes Handicap and the Gr.3 Lindauer Stewards' Stakes Handicap.
Stablemate and Group One performer Son of Maher also has an important engagement at the carnival.
"He holds a nomination for the Coupland's Mile," Pitman said of last season's Gr.1 Levin Classic runner-up.
Son Of Maher will also make a fresh start on Saturday in the Stallion Tender - riccartonpark.co.nz Rating 75.
"The 1200 metres might be a bit short for him, but he's got the class and he'll be doing his best work late," Pitman said.
Samantha Wynne will be aboard both First Serve and Son of Maher, as well as other genuine winning chances Zakynthos (Speights Mid Ale Maiden), Maher Moment (SI Racing Awards 16 September Maiden) and Night Nurse (NZ Cup Meeting Tickets on Sale Rating 75). – NZ Racing Desk.