Local trainer Guy Lowry showcased his prowess against the nation’s top stables on the opening day of the Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival earlier this month, securing a win and two placings.
However, he faces the upcoming challenge at Hastings this Saturday without the promising Jimmysstar, who impressed on Tarzino Trophy Day.
Jimmysstar, a four-year-old Per Incanto gelding, clinched his second win in a three-start career on the first day of the carnival.
Despite the success, Lowry revealed that the talented gelding is set to join Ciaron Maher and David Eustace across the Tasman.
“It’s hard to get rid of a horse like him. But you can run for three times the money in the same grade over there, and the owners are keeping a share in him. I don’t blame them at all, and I hope he does a great job for them,” said Lowry, acknowledging the financial incentives for racing in Australia.
Even without Jimmysstar, Lowry remains optimistic, saddling three runners on the middle day of the carnival.
Among them is The Stoney One, a Pierro gelding with a promising record of two wins and seven placings in 11 starts.
Despite a close second in his recent outing, The Stoney One is expected to be competitive, drawing well and targeting this specific race.
Regarding track conditions, Lowry expressed confidence in The Stoney One’s adaptability, stating, “I don’t think he likes heavy ground, but I think he’ll cope with what it’s going to be like on Saturday.”
Stablemate Gohugo, a maiden winner over the same course and distance in April, brings consistent form to the table.
While initially targeting the first day of the meeting, he has performed well in subsequent races and is given another chance, dropping back in distance.
Belcamina, a blue-blooded daughter of Savabeel and Group One performer Eleonora, is expected to show improvement in her upcoming race.
Having won over 2000m in March, she struggled in her first two appearances of the current campaign but is anticipated to be more competitive on Saturday.
“She’s nominated for the New Zealand Cup (Group 3, 3200m), and that’s a target I’m thinking of working towards with her,” shared Lowry, outlining future aspirations for the talented filly.
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