High Distinction
Race Images Palmerston North
Family horse High Distinction can earn himself and his trainer an early shot at black type honours if he performs up to expectations at his next appearance.
The son of Zacinto hasn't raced since he was successful on debut at Te Aroha in the spring, but a tidy second in an open trial at Matamata on Tuesday showed he was ready for a return to serious business.
"He trialled up nicely and he was just there for a day out," said Cody Cole, who trains the gelding and shares in the ownership with his sister Celia and their parents Tony and Lou.
"Sam (Collett) didn't let his head go and the plan is to run him at Ellerslie on Saturday week in a Rating 65 over 1200 metres."
High Distinction's performance there could earn him a recall for a more serious challenge.
"As long as he runs well enough, that will hopefully earn him a spot in the Mongolian Khan Trophy," Cole said.
The Group Three event, formerly the Mr Tiz Trophy, will be run at Ellerslie on Derby Day on March 4 and would mark Cole's first runner at stakes level.
He is in his first season of training and he has a couple of winners to his credit after High Distinction started the ball rolling in November.
"He doesn't like the really firm tracks so we were never going to run him through the Christmas period," Cole said.
High Distinction is now sure to remain on home shores, despite overseas interest.
"He's failed the vet twice - he's got bone spurs on his knees although they haven't been a problem," Cole said.
"He's a tough horse who doesn't worry about anything." – NZ Racing Desk.
The son of Zacinto hasn't raced since he was successful on debut at Te Aroha in the spring, but a tidy second in an open trial at Matamata on Tuesday showed he was ready for a return to serious business.
"He trialled up nicely and he was just there for a day out," said Cody Cole, who trains the gelding and shares in the ownership with his sister Celia and their parents Tony and Lou.
"Sam (Collett) didn't let his head go and the plan is to run him at Ellerslie on Saturday week in a Rating 65 over 1200 metres."
High Distinction's performance there could earn him a recall for a more serious challenge.
"As long as he runs well enough, that will hopefully earn him a spot in the Mongolian Khan Trophy," Cole said.
The Group Three event, formerly the Mr Tiz Trophy, will be run at Ellerslie on Derby Day on March 4 and would mark Cole's first runner at stakes level.
He is in his first season of training and he has a couple of winners to his credit after High Distinction started the ball rolling in November.
"He doesn't like the really firm tracks so we were never going to run him through the Christmas period," Cole said.
High Distinction is now sure to remain on home shores, despite overseas interest.
"He's failed the vet twice - he's got bone spurs on his knees although they haven't been a problem," Cole said.
"He's a tough horse who doesn't worry about anything." – NZ Racing Desk.