Wild Range Photography
A weight-conscious Sean Cameron is taking every precaution to have Go Go Gonzo at the right place in the handicap for him to go one better in pursuit of his winter goal.
To that end, the well-travelled Waiuku trainer has opted to run last season’s Grand National Hurdles (4200m) runner-up on the flat in Friday’s Farewell & Thank You Alan Shand Handicap (2100m) at the Phar Lap Raceway.
“If he wins another one over the hurdles he’ll be getting too much weight so we’ll wait for the Sydenham and then the National,” Cameron said.
Cameron said Go Go Gonzo’s last-start win over fences showed he was on target for the Riccarton double.
“He had a virus so we treated him after he was disappointing at Timaru, that cleaned him up and he won pretty well at Wingatui the other day.
“He’s back to his old self and he’s very well now. I couldn’t be happier with him.”
Matt Cropp has been booked to ride Go Go Gonzo in the Racecourse Hotel & Motor Lodge Sydenham Hurdles (3100m) at Riccarton on August 4 with the Hospitality New Zealand Canterbury Grand National Hurdles (4200m) mount four days later up for grabs.
“Matt’s on him the first day and the rest will take care of itself I guess,” Cameron said.
While he isn’t getting carried away with Go Go Gonzo’s flat prospects on Friday, he is keen on the chances of stablemate Amun Ra in the Onceuponatime Mile (1600m).
“He hasn’t had any luck in his last two races and the track will be right up his alley,” Cameron said.
“He got caught on the inside at Timaru and couldn’t get out, he’s been working really well since then.” – NZ Racing Desk.