Wingatui trainer Steven Anderton has secured the services of the jockey of the moment for The Solitaire's latest bid for group 1 glory on Saturday.
Anderton confirmed to The Otago Daily Times yesterday that Derby-winning jockey Michael Walker will climb aboard The Solitaire when she tackles her rivals in the $200,000 New Zealand Stakes at Ellerslie on Saturday.
Anderton was forced to look elsewhere after regular pilot Chris Johnson told Anderton he would not be making the trip to Ellerslie.
In Walker, Anderton has a jockey who can be divisive - judging by the reaction to his confident comments prior to the Derby - but also an extremely talented jockey who knows how to rate his rides.
There was a chance Puccini may back up in the New Zealand Stakes, but the connections of the Derby winner have opted to head to Sydney for the Australian Derby which left Walker clear to take up Anderton's offer.
Anderton's father, Hec, has gone north to Karaka to look after the O'Reilly mare, who is stabled at Shane Hapeta's complex at Byerley Park.
Anderton was pleased with The Solitaire's bold run for third in the group 1 Herbie Dyke Stakes.
''She might have got there a [to the lead] wee bit soon, but she went really well and pulled up good,'' Anderton said.
One more North Island target remains for The Solitaire if she comes through Saturday's run without incident, with the group 1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes at Te Aroha on April 5 in Anderton's sights.
''Everything going all right, she'll go on to the Breeders' at Te Aroha over a mile [1600m].''
Anderton's other two stable stars, The Diamond One and The Glitzy One, have both returned from their North Island campaigns and are likely to travel together to Riccarton on March 22.
''I think The Diamond One will go to the Valachi [a 1600m fillies and mares listed race] and then possibly to the paddock.
''The Glitzy One will possibly run on the same day in the Hororata Cup then possibly the Riverton Cup [on April 19].
''She's probably looking for a bit of a give in the track.''
Plans to take The Diamond One to Brisbane for a winter campaign have also been shelved after her sixth placing in the group 1 weight-for-age at Otaki.
''I think she's really six months off hitting her straps. To have a go at those horses, you've got to be at the top of your game - they're good group 1 performers. She did over-race a bit.''
