Tony Pike’s runners haven’t missed a beat in their bid to successfully execute a black-type double for the stable at Riccarton on Wednesday.
The Cambridge trainer has the in-form Witz End and Acquarello in the feature events on the middle day of the New Zealand Cup carnival with Matt Cartwright and Michael McNab their respective riders.
The lightly raced Witz End confirmed his passage south for a crack at the Gr.3 TAB Mile (1600m) with a last-start success at Ellerslie to take his record to four victories and two runner-up finishes from eight appearances.
"He had to win or run extremely well, which he did, and he's only been tripped up twice and that's been by two wet tracks," Pike said.
"Him and Acquarello flew down on Sunday and they've both had trips to or from Australia, so they are pretty well travelled and have done well."
Witz End will have to contend with a wide gate (14) on Wednesday, but the son of Savabeel has proved himself to be a tractable character.
"We wanted to get him into a nice handicap off the minimum and with 53kg it's worked out perfectly, apart from the barrier draw," he said.
"It's probably the best mile start in Australasia with a long run to the first corner so Matt will have plenty of time to decide if he presses forward or takes a sit behind the speed.
"One of his best runs as a three-year-old was coming from well back to run second in the Wellington Guineas (Gr.2, 1400m) so he doesn't have to lead.
"He's got a big action and can pretty much do it any way, he's still learning his trade and is obviously very talented."
Acquarello is presented with the first black type opportunity of her career in the Gr.3 Windsor Park Stud Canterbury Breeders' Stakes (1400m).
The Written Tycoon mare was a Rating 75 winner at Matamata two runs back before a solid run for third under topweight and will enjoy a 4kg drop.
"She is going really well and got caught wide at Ellerslie and it might have just been a bit on the firm side for her," Pike said.
"She has come back in great order and she maps to get a nice trip in a smallish field, I think she'll be right in the finish."
Raced by Trelawney Stud, Acquarello has won twice for the stable after breaking her maiden across the Tasman at Pakenham when prepared by Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young.
Pike will also have a small team at Te Aroha on Tuesday and tipped Pierro gelding Golden Century as his best chance.
He will step out in the Riversley Park Maiden (1400m) following a strong debut third at Taupo with Ryan Elliot retaining the mount.
"He's a nice staying three-year-old going forward and I think he'll go close," Pike said.
"He's a horse to follow as he gets up in trip, he's got the pedigree and type to be a Derby horse, like so many others obviously, and that's a long-term plan."
