Race Images South
Awapuni galloper Authentic Paddy has successfully reinvented himself in recent seasons.
Once regarded as a wet track handicapper, the Howbaddouwantit gelding has come to favour better going with age to successfully compete at the highest level.
A five-time Group One placegetter, Authentic Paddy will have an opportunity at Ellerslie on Tuesday to further his record when he runs in the Gr.3 OMF Stakes (2000m).
The eight-year-old heads north off the back of a last-start sixth in the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) at Hawke’s Bay.
“Putting the race back two weeks meant he just came to the end of his run,” trainer Lisa Latta said.
“He went to the Waverley trials last week as he takes a lot of work. He’s very well and his work has been good.”
To be ridden by Jonathan Riddell, Authentic Paddy also has a good record at Ellerslie where he has twice placed in the Gr.1 Zabeel Classic (2000m) and he was also fourth in the OMF Stakes 12 months ago.
Meanwhile, Latta has confirmed that Leith Innes will retain the mount on Dijon Bleu in Saturday week’s Gr.1 gavelhouse.com New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas (1600m).
He rode her for the first time when they paired up to win last month’s Listed Soliloquy Stakes (1400m).
Latta said Dijon Bleu has trained on well since and she didn’t expect the prospect of improved underfoot conditions at Riccarton or the step up to a mile to worry the daughter of Burgundy.
“She’s very light on her feet and on a better track they will run along a bit and she’ll be able to relax.” – NZ Racing Desk.