Trainers Michael and Matthew Pitman line up four runners they have campaigned on the southern summer circuit at Trentham’s premier meeting tomorrow. Son Of Maher, a Wingatui winner on Boxing Day, returns to Trentham a year after he ran third in the group 1 Levin Classic.
"He probably got left in front on a track that was softer than he wanted that day," Michael Pitman said.
This year the galloper tackles the group 3 Anniversary Handicap, race 5 on tomorrow’s programme, and his co-trainer could not be happier with the horse’s condition.
"He is flying. I am really happy with him."
Pitman hopes that this campaign Son Of Maher can step up from group 1 placegetter to regular group 1 contender.
"He is almost at the top of the mountain, he is just not quite there. If he can take that next step up, he is bordering on being right up there with the very best of them."
One thing against the horse tomorrow is his No1 barrier draw over the 1600m Anniversary Handicap distance.
"It is always tough at Trentham when you draw in at the mile. But Sam Wynne is riding good and he is a big strong fella."
Sensei is another Pitman and Wynne runner who is looking to turn southern form into a premier race victory.
The 2yr-old gained vital experience on his trip to Waikouaiti over summer as a part of his continued education.
"He is still a work in progress, because he has got sheer ability.
"He is still learning, he’s got the good draw, he will only get better as he gets older and more experienced."
His dominant victory over older horses at Waikouaiti meant the horse earned the Wellington trip to take on premier-grade 2yr-olds.
"He deserves the opportunity."
Team Pitman also lines up fellow Wingatui winner Montoya Star, who proved her real worth with two wins from two starts in the South over summer.
"She is a horse we have always rated."
No Emotion is in a different boat to his stablemates. As Pitman owns the galloper himself, he tacked on to the trip with his stablemates, rather than being targeted at the meeting.
"He is probably the one making the biggest step up of all."
Tomorrow’s group 1 Levin Classic field is headed by smart colts Savile Row and Hall Of Fame. The pair come off last-start Ellerslie victories after previously meeting in the 2000 Guineas at Riccarton in November. There Savile Row had the more favoured Hall Of Fame easily covered when running second.
- Jonny Turner
