Group One-performing miler Matscot is a force to be reckoned with on his home turf, and on Wednesday, the gelding will contest the Gr.3 TAB Mile (1600m) with a sentimental motivation behind him.
The son of Haradasun is trained and part-owned by Sharon Robertson and Alan Reeves, who have enjoyed success in the Listed Sothy's Spring Classic (2000m), Hororata Gold Cup (1800m) and $350,000 Southern Alps Challenge (1600m), all run at Riccarton Park last season.
In each victory, they celebrated alongside fellow owner Ross Falloon, who sadly passed in late September, just days before Matscot powered to a game third in the Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) at Matamata.
The pair were thrilled with his performance but elected to bypass a tilt at the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) a week later, instead turning their focus to their local feature.
"He went really well in the Arrowfield, we thought he might just get up for second, but his run was good," Robertson said.
"He came back, had a week in the paddock and he's just bouncing around.
"We always had in mind that we wanted to come back for the TAB Mile, that was the plan if everything worked out and he's got in at a good weight.
"He's just really coming into himself as a seven-year-old, he took so long to jump properly, but now he can put himself there a bit more. He loves to be on the outside as a big horse, he just doesn't like being closed in."
Matscot will be ridden by an in-form Michael McNab, and despite his high rating, with Perfect Scenario and Times Ticking in the field, he will carry just 1.5kg over the minimum. He currently shares favouritism at $5 with northerner Witz End , ahead of local mare Dazzling Miss ($6.50).
For Robertson and Reeves, Wednesday's race is dedicated to Falloon, who was less of an owner, and more like a family member to the pair.
"It would be nice if Ross was still here to watch him, but that's who we're doing it for," Robertson said.
"It's still pretty raw and emotional, he was like a second dad, an extra family member. He was always there for me. It would be very special to get this win for him."
