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Hastings trainer Guy Lowry is confident that an inter-island bid for Listed Courtesy Ford Ryder Stakes (1200m) success is on track.
Lowry and Grant Cullen took over training duties for former Canterbury filly Eastern Warrior earlier this month and struck gold immediately to set up a tilt at Saturday’s Ryder Stakes at Awapuni.
“The owners rang Grant to see if we could take the filly with the goal of the Ryder Stakes,” Lowry said.
“She arrived 10 days before she won at Hastings and she’s continued to do well since then so everything’s on track. She’s eating and working well.”
Eastern Warrior was fourth to champion two-year-old-elect Avantage on debut at Riccarton in October for trainer Peter Rudkin, who shares ownership with Terry Lines and Phillip Blacktopp.
“Peter has done a really good job with her. We got her and really it was just a case of taking her to the races,” Lowry said.
“She’d lightened up a bit with the trip and she’s not a big filly anyway but she’s been eating and her trackwork on her own on Wednesday was good. She’s happy and we’re happy with her.”
Five of the nine runners for the Ryder Stakes have come through the Hastings 800m race that Eastern Warrior won and now face a step up to 1200m and a likely more testing track at Awapuni.
“At Hastings, she drew the outside barrier and sat three wide and they weren’t taking any ground off her at the finish,” Lowry said.
“We don’t know how she’ll handle that Awapuni track or the 1200. I have no worries with the two-week backup between races but there are those question marks.”
Safely through Saturday’s race, Eastern Warrior will be set for the Listed O’Learys Fillies Stakes (1200m) at Wanganui on September 8 before rejoining Rudkin’s stable for spring racing in Canterbury.
TAB bookmakers opened Eastern Warrior – to be ridden by Chris Johnson – as a $5.50 fourth favourite for the Ryder behind Tutta La Classe at $3, Atenartin at $3.80 and Mexican Tycoon at $5. – NZ Racing Desk.