Sampson
Race Images Palmerston North
A minor hiccup in Sampson's build-up toward Saturday's Gr.1 Auckland Cup hasn't fazed Howie Mathews.
Fortunately the setback had nothing to do with the stayer, rather a change of rider for the six-year-old in the Barfoot & Thompson-sponsored feature at Ellerslie.
Johnathan Parkes had been booked for Sampson, but a suspension has ruled him out and Mathews said it was a straight forward decision on a replacement jockey.
"It's a bit unfortunate that Johnathan got suspended and the only other person who has won on the horse this season is Lisa Allpress.
"She's ridden a lot of winners for us – she's a top rider and we're lucky to get her."
Sampson has been in fine form this season following his first-up success over ground in the Egmont Cup and last time out he finished a brave third in the Gr.2 Wellington Cup.
Mathews has purposefully avoided giving the gelding another start, instead opting for a recent exhibition gallop between races on his home track.
"He came home in 34 (for the last 600m) so he's on target," he said. "He's coming in with fresh legs and before he won the Egmont Cup he hadn't raced for 120 days. He's a good-winded horse."
The winner of six of his 26 starts, Sampson has made one previous visit to Ellerslie when he finished fourth in last year's Gr.3 City of Auckland Cup.
Despite his consistent form line, he is rated a $41 chance in Saturday's feature behind the $3.60 favourite Sacred Master. – NZ Racing Desk.
Fortunately the setback had nothing to do with the stayer, rather a change of rider for the six-year-old in the Barfoot & Thompson-sponsored feature at Ellerslie.
Johnathan Parkes had been booked for Sampson, but a suspension has ruled him out and Mathews said it was a straight forward decision on a replacement jockey.
"It's a bit unfortunate that Johnathan got suspended and the only other person who has won on the horse this season is Lisa Allpress.
"She's ridden a lot of winners for us – she's a top rider and we're lucky to get her."
Sampson has been in fine form this season following his first-up success over ground in the Egmont Cup and last time out he finished a brave third in the Gr.2 Wellington Cup.
Mathews has purposefully avoided giving the gelding another start, instead opting for a recent exhibition gallop between races on his home track.
"He came home in 34 (for the last 600m) so he's on target," he said. "He's coming in with fresh legs and before he won the Egmont Cup he hadn't raced for 120 days. He's a good-winded horse."
The winner of six of his 26 starts, Sampson has made one previous visit to Ellerslie when he finished fourth in last year's Gr.3 City of Auckland Cup.
Despite his consistent form line, he is rated a $41 chance in Saturday's feature behind the $3.60 favourite Sacred Master. – NZ Racing Desk.