Former northern galloper Supercharged has lived up to his name since joining Ross Beckett’s stable.
The eight-year-old is unbeaten in two jumping starts from his new Canterbury quarters after two flat wins and a hurdle success with Matamata trainer and part-owner Wayne Hillis.
Supercharged has won a pair of $20,000 events over the smaller fences for Beckett and will shoot for a hat-trick when he steps out in the Jo McGartland Memorial Hurdles at the South Canterbury meeting on Friday.
“Wayne and I sorted it out a while ago when the horse became available and I took a share in him and they posted him down – it’s paid off quite well so far,” Beckett said.
Supercharged was a game winner last month at Riverton where he fought on well for a narrow victory after he was given no peace in front. He then had no trouble doubling his southern tally with a runaway success at Wingatui.
“He’s going well and I’m happy with him, but he’s not unbeatable – you never know with jumping races,” Beckett said.
“We’ll potter along with him and see how he goes, there’s a few opportunities down here for the right sort of horse.”
Supercharged will be partnered at the Phar Lap Raceway by Hillis’ son Kurt, whose one previous ride on the Casual Lies gelding resulted in a fifth placing behind Mahanadi in an amateur riders’ event at Paeroa two years ago.
“He can get a claim (three kilos) and will give him a nice ride,” Beckett said.
Needastar, who also began his career at Matamata with Lance Noble, won his hurdle debut convincingly at Wingatui where he beat Delleud and they should again give good accounts of themselves.
