Son of Maher
Trish Dunell
The Derby dream of two of the South Island's leading racing identities gained further momentum on Saturday when Son of Maher added another winning strike to his record.
The Riccarton-trained colt didn't have too much to spare at the end of the Listed Dunedin Casino Dunedin Guineas, but the Michael and Matthew Pitman-trained three-year-old wasn't given a punishing ride by Chris Johnson.
Son Of Maher was coming off a previous runner-up finish in the Gr.1 Levin Classic and he is currently a $26 chance for the Gr.1 BMW New Zealand Derby at Ellerslie on March 5.
"Chris and I both share Derby aspirations so hopefully we can get there and be competitive," Michael Pitman said.
Son Of Maher was within striking distance of the leaders as the field straightened for the run home and he finished off well for his third win in 10 appearances. Replique ran home well along the fence for second ahead of Princess Davone.
"I said to Chris that if he was near enough to them on the turn then the horse's class would get him home," Pitman said. "He will improve a lot and he might be better held up for one run, but Chris will work him out."
Son Of Maher will complete his Derby preparation in the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas at Ellerslie on February 20.
Meanwhile, Kaharau's lucrative southern campaign continued in the Listed Fire & Mechanical Contracting Gold Cup.
The Kenny and Lisa Rae-trained four-year-old had won at Cromwell, Ashburton (twice) and Greymouth and it was more of the same at Wingatui where he raced close to the pace and drew out in the straight to beat Lakota and Speedy Jax. – NZ Racing Desk.
The Riccarton-trained colt didn't have too much to spare at the end of the Listed Dunedin Casino Dunedin Guineas, but the Michael and Matthew Pitman-trained three-year-old wasn't given a punishing ride by Chris Johnson.
Son Of Maher was coming off a previous runner-up finish in the Gr.1 Levin Classic and he is currently a $26 chance for the Gr.1 BMW New Zealand Derby at Ellerslie on March 5.
"Chris and I both share Derby aspirations so hopefully we can get there and be competitive," Michael Pitman said.
Son Of Maher was within striking distance of the leaders as the field straightened for the run home and he finished off well for his third win in 10 appearances. Replique ran home well along the fence for second ahead of Princess Davone.
"I said to Chris that if he was near enough to them on the turn then the horse's class would get him home," Pitman said. "He will improve a lot and he might be better held up for one run, but Chris will work him out."
Son Of Maher will complete his Derby preparation in the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas at Ellerslie on February 20.
Meanwhile, Kaharau's lucrative southern campaign continued in the Listed Fire & Mechanical Contracting Gold Cup.
The Kenny and Lisa Rae-trained four-year-old had won at Cromwell, Ashburton (twice) and Greymouth and it was more of the same at Wingatui where he raced close to the pace and drew out in the straight to beat Lakota and Speedy Jax. – NZ Racing Desk.