Jacksstar (gold cap)
Race Images Palmerston North
Gary Vile is hoping a recently introduced bonus will remain in place for next season.
The Awapuni trainer believes he will have the perfect candidate in Jacksstar to chase the staying grand slam of the Gr.3 New Zealand Cup, the Gr.2 Wellington Cup and the Gr.1 Auckland Cup.
This term, $1 million was on offer to the winner of all three majors with $250,000 for the winner of any two.
Jacksstar's recent form has been exemplary and he will have one more autumn outing before he is put aside for the winter.
"He's going to the Hawke's Bay Cup on Saturday and then he'll be spelled and come back to get ready for the New Zealand Cup," Vile said. "I hope they've still got that bonus.
"He's going to get better with age on his side and he's already got 2500 metres as a four-year-old so two miles won't stop him as a five-year-old. He relaxes and just goes to sleep in his races."
Jacksstar won the Listed New Zealand St Leger at Trentham two runs back and then overcame a Heavy 10 track at Awapuni to continue his wining form for rider Cameron Lammas.
"Cameron said to me that was right to the extent of what he could handle," Vile said.
While Jacksstar does appreciate the sting out of the ground, he proved his versatility when he ran third on firm going in the Summer Cup at Trentham where he was denied clear room until too late and lost a plate during the race.
Meanwhile, Vile's promising juvenile Leading Role signed off for the season when sixth in the Gr.1 Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes.
"He's gone to the paddock – he's one who does need a good track," he said.
"He didn't handle it the other day and when Chris (Johnson) was able to find a decent strip in the straight he came home pretty well. I know how good he is and he'll prove it at three." – NZ Racing Desk.
The Awapuni trainer believes he will have the perfect candidate in Jacksstar to chase the staying grand slam of the Gr.3 New Zealand Cup, the Gr.2 Wellington Cup and the Gr.1 Auckland Cup.
This term, $1 million was on offer to the winner of all three majors with $250,000 for the winner of any two.
Jacksstar's recent form has been exemplary and he will have one more autumn outing before he is put aside for the winter.
"He's going to the Hawke's Bay Cup on Saturday and then he'll be spelled and come back to get ready for the New Zealand Cup," Vile said. "I hope they've still got that bonus.
"He's going to get better with age on his side and he's already got 2500 metres as a four-year-old so two miles won't stop him as a five-year-old. He relaxes and just goes to sleep in his races."
Jacksstar won the Listed New Zealand St Leger at Trentham two runs back and then overcame a Heavy 10 track at Awapuni to continue his wining form for rider Cameron Lammas.
"Cameron said to me that was right to the extent of what he could handle," Vile said.
While Jacksstar does appreciate the sting out of the ground, he proved his versatility when he ran third on firm going in the Summer Cup at Trentham where he was denied clear room until too late and lost a plate during the race.
Meanwhile, Vile's promising juvenile Leading Role signed off for the season when sixth in the Gr.1 Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes.
"He's gone to the paddock – he's one who does need a good track," he said.
"He didn't handle it the other day and when Chris (Johnson) was able to find a decent strip in the straight he came home pretty well. I know how good he is and he'll prove it at three." – NZ Racing Desk.