Trainer following tip from the saddle

Michael Pitman is following the advice of national jockeys’ premiership front-runner Chris Johnson with the consistent performer Flying Ibis.

The Riccarton horseman, who operates a successful training partnership with son Matthew, has designs on the Gr.3 eStar Winter Cup with the former North Island galloper.

“I was thinking about easing up on the horse but Chris, who has been riding him, said he would be an ideal Cup type and he has won over a mile at Riccarton before as well,” Pitman said.

A winner in Hong Kong and also for Cambridge trainer Tony Pike before continuing his travels, Flying Ibis has added a further four victories to his record since transferring south.

“He’s done a really good job since we’ve had him so we’ll keep going, there’s some nice races for him between now and the Cup,” Pitman said.

Flying Ibis, who made late ground for fifth over 1200m on Saturday, could also be joined in the Cup by stablemate Elfee, who was a last-start fifth at Riccarton after an interrupted run.

“She’s another one who has done a good job since coming to us,” Pitman said.

“She’s fitted in very well down here and the better she draws, the better she goes as she likes to tuck in behind them.”

A five-year-old daughter of Iffraaj, Elfee won twice from the Byerley Park stable of Peter and Dawn Williams before she joined the Pitman operation earlier this year.

She has subsequently doubled her winning tally and has returned a cheque in all seven of her southern appearances.