The 600km journey from Christchurch to Riverton paid off on Saturday for Michael and Matthew Pitman, who kicked off the annual two-day Easter fixture with three wins including a $44 upset by Makabar (NZ) (Swiss Ace) in the feature sprint.
Makabar went into the Riverton Butchery Aparima Handicap (1200m) with unplaced finishes to his name in all of his last six starts. However, he had been a star performer at the Easter meeting 12 months ago, where he ran third in this same open 1200m sprint before winning over 1400m on Easter Monday.
Saturday’s return to Riverton brought the very best out of Makabar. The nine-year-old dropped out to the back of the 14-horse field in the $50,000 sprint, then began to warm into his work along the rail in the home straight.
In the meantime, the front-running Industrialist (NZ) (Sweet Orange) had been tackled and headed at the turn by Vanderdonk (NZ) (RIP Van Winkle), but fought back and gradually clawed his way back into the lead with 100m remaining. Just when it looked like Industrialist was home free, Makabar drove through on his inside and snatched a last-stride victory by a nose.
It was the 10th win of an 89-start career for Makabar, who has now earned $208,574 in stakes. He was a $55,000 purchase as a yearling at Karaka in 2017.
Makabar’s victory headlined Saturday’s winning treble for the Pitmans, who also won the Todd & Co Realty/Ruahine Dairies (1600m) with The Immigrant (NZ) (Tavistock) and the Forde Auto Services/Speights Fairfax Handicap (1200m) with Express Coup (NZ) (Shamexpress).
The Immigrant has now won three times in a 34-race career and has banked $72,060. Express Coup, who races in the colours of long-time South Island racing supporter Ray Coupland, has earned $116,855 from a 29-start, five-win career.
“It’s been a great day’s racing down here today and I’m thrilled that we picked up the three wins,” Michael Pitman said. “It’s a perfect way to start off the weekend.
“They’re a very good club here at Riverton, great people, and I’ve always maintained it’s the best track in the South Island. So I’m always happy to make the trip down to support this meeting every year.
“We hadn’t seen the best of Makabar lately, but he’s a true heavy-track horse. He’s a superior wet-tracker and he showed that today.
“All of our three winners today were suited to the wet ground and really like the track here at Riverton. Makabar had won and placed in his two previous races here, Express Coup had a one-start, one-win record here, and The Immigrant’s couple of runs here included a placing. They showed what they can do in suitable conditions today.
“All of them are entered for the second day of the meeting on Monday too, and at this stage I’d say they’re likely to back up.”