Race Images Palmerston North
Matamata trainer Peter McKay will go into Saturday's SkyCity Hamilton 1600 at Te Rapa with two live chances after entries were left open earlier this week.
McKay opted to supplement Group Two winner Amarula for the open handicap, a
move that has enhanced the stable's chances of success.
"Amarula was a late nom, mainly because the horses that were entered included horses I thought would be set for the 1600m open handicap at Ruakaka next weekend. I questioned whether they would have the numbers to run that race next week, so I took the safe option,” McKay said.
"At least this way, we're sure of a run. It might be a week too soon for him but his last two gallops have been good. We just hope the rain stays away because a wet track over 1600m might test him."
The added benefit of Amarula's inclusion is that stablemate Stokers Rock gets to run carrying the 54kg minimum, whereas the St Reims five-year-old would have carried 60kg without the late entry of the 97-rated Amarula.
"Having Amarula in there has pushed the others down too and a horse like Fire Jet, who has placed in a Concorde Handicap and also gets in on 54 kilos, will be hard to beat," McKay said.
"We just need either a more genuine pace or to take up handier positions because in both of their races at Ruakaka, basically where each horse ended up in running was where they finished.
"I was happy with the way they both finished off and I think both will be competitive on Saturday."
With McKay none too optimistic about Amarula securing a start in the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings on September 2, he has begun considering his options for the Thorn Park four-year-old in the Gr.1 Windsor Park Plate (1600m) and the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) on
the final two days of the Hawke's Bay spring carnival.
"We're just thinking if he can get up over ground, he might be a better chance of getting a start on the middle day or last day."
McKay will also produce Valante in the United Cleaning 2100 at Te Rapa, the Tavistock five-year-old copping midrace interference at Ruakaka last start that proved costly. - NZ Racing Desk