Riccarton trainers Michael and Matthew Pitman completed another successful raid on the annual meeting by winning three races, Carson River’s Kurow Cup victory being the icing on the
cake.
Carson River got back in the early running of the 1400m feature before rider Samantha Wynne found a nice midfield position for him.
Wynne angled the 7yr-old into the clear on the home turn and he charged away for a dominant 2½-length victory.
Carson River was trailed across the line by stablemate Enzo’s Lad who completed a Pitman stable quinella in the feature.
Enzo’s Lad hit the line powerfully after winding up to top speed while carrying top weight.
The run was an encouraging sign as the Pitman stable prepares the veteran sprinter for his attempt at a top-two finish in the group 1 Telegraph at Trentham for a fourth consecutive year.
The 9yr-old ran second to Advantage in the feature last year after winning its two previous editions.
Matthew Pitman was delighted with the result and said it was good for the public to see Carson River’s true talents.
"Carson River has been showing for a long time that he can win some nice open-class races.
"When he wins, he wins like a good horse," he said.
"I thought Sam Wynne rode him really well today and he showed everyone what he could do.
"He should go on with it now and be a very nice open-class 1400m-miler.
"He will just target some other open-class races over the summer period."
The first leg of the Pitman stable’s treble at Kurow yesterday came with the most drama.
Watchmaker crossed the line second in race 3 before being promoted to win the race after an inquiry.
Tradition, who was first past the post, was deemed to have cost Watchmaker victory by running outwards and impeding him in the straight.
The Pitman stable’s winning treble also included Zakunda’s win in race 5.
Both Zakunda and Watchmaker were ridden to victory by Kavish Chowdhoory.
