Expat Australian hoop Matt Cartwright is looking forward to teaming up with his old boss at Trentham today when he rides Interpretation in the group 3 Wellington Cup (3200m).
The stayer, who is proven at group level, is trained by leading Australian horseman Ciaron Maher.
Cartwright used to ride work for Maher when he was based in Melbourne.
"I had a great connection and relationship with Ciaron Maher during my apprenticeship when I was in Australia. I am excited to be riding for Ciaron and I would love to get a result for him," Cartwright said.
"I know the horse quite well. I used to ride him in a few of his gallops when I was back in Australia and I rode him in a trial."
While he is the winner of just four of his 34 race starts, Interpretation has tested his talent against Australasia’s staying elite, contesting three editions of the Melbourne Cup. His best result was sixth in 2023.
The Bendigo Cup winner campaigned in New Zealand last year, running seventh in the Wellington Cup and sixth in the Avondale Cup. He was also placed in the Auckland Cup.
"By the looks of it he is going well and I think he profiles as one of the better chances in the race [today]," Cartwright said.
Interpretation is rated a $7 third favourite with TAB bookmakers for the Wellington Cup in a market headed by Rosso ($2.80), with Tshiebwe the second elect at $5.50.
Cartwright will also partner the Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained Roccadonna in the group 2 Lowland Stakes (2100m).
The Contributer filly has run third and fourth in her two starts to date.
"She is only a maidener but is still a nice chance going into that race," Cartwright said.
"A few of the horses higher up in the numbers look good chances, but she brings in probably the best maiden form.
"She has a tricky gate (12) but she gets back a little anyway, so if the pace is on and it suits her she will be running on pretty hard."
On the undercard, Cartwright will also ride Furiosa in race 1, Platinum Pantheon in race 2, and Sneak Peek in race 6, the $350,000 Remutaka Classic.
By Joshua Smith
