Bold front-runner Witz End is likely to be seen in a different role in Saturday’s Group 3 J Swap Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa.
The son of Savabeel has fashioned an enviable record since debuting less than 12 months ago, winning four of his nine starts and placing behind subsequent Group One winner Grail Seeker in the Group 2 Wellington Guineas (1400m) in March.
The Guineas was one of the few occasions Witz End has not been the pacemaker, and while he’s won twice this preparation in that fashion, his trainer Tony Pike is looking for a change of tactics after he was run down late in the Group 3 TAB Classic (1600m) at Riccarton Park last month.
“He did a lot of work early again, especially on that big Riccarton track and got run over late,” Pike said.
“This is a good opportunity where he doesn’t need to lead, probably his best run came in the Wellington Guineas last season.
“From gate two, we’re going to ride him a lot quieter on Saturday, he’s nicely weighted and he’s a very talented horse with plenty of upside about him. I think we’ll see a much improved performance.”
Sam Weatherley will reunite with the gelding in the feature, which will determine where the gelding will head over the summer period, with plenty of lucrative options. He holds a nomination for the Group 1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) on January 14, but further north, there is a million-dollar target on Pike’s agenda.
“I think he’s a 1400-miler, I don’t think the mile is going to be a concern going forward if he’s ridden quietly,” he said.
“We’re looking at some of the bigger miles if he performs well on Saturday, the four-year-old mile ($1 million Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic) on Karaka Millions night is his main target this preparation.”
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