Group Three-winning stayer Outovstock (NZ) (Tavistock) will use Saturday’s $350,000 COMAG Wairere Falls Classic (1500m) as a stepping stone towards a tilt at his second Manawatu feature crown.
A son of Tavistock, Outovstock scored a minor upset to win last year’s Gr.3 Manawatu Classic (2100m) in April, earning himself a trip across the Tasman where he finished ninth in the Gr.1 South Australian Derby (2500m).
As a result of his early success, Outovstock has faced some stiff competition in the first half of this season but has held his own finishing in the top five in the Gr.3 Balmerino Stakes (2000m) and Gr.3 Waikato Cup (2400m).
A muddily-run edition of the Listed Kaimai Stakes (2000m) had Outovstock ending up out of his usual pattern in front, and trainer Chad Ormsby was satisfied with his performance to hold on for fourth place behind What You Wish For.
“The race wasn’t run to suit at all, so Vinnie (Colgan, jockey) elected to give the horse a chance in figuring in it which worked out well for him,” he said. “It still wasn’t ideal, but I was happy with the run, and he got his chance.
“He’s continued on well, he’s wanting 2000 or further now but this race comes up as a stepping stone towards the Awapuni Cup and timing-wise it works out well.
“He’s got the carrot dangling there, but it’s not the perfect race for him. I’m not against him and if he brought his best form, he can figure somewhere in the first half.”
The Gr.2 Awapuni Gold Cup (2000m) will be run at Trentham on Manawatu Sires’ Produce Day, the 29th of March.
Earlier on the card at Matamata, Ormsby is hopeful consistent galloper Mohi Place will get his turn in the winner’s circle, contesting the Property Brokers 1600. The son of Proisir has been runner-up on three occasions, including last-start behind La Parisienne.
“I think we’ve found out he’s a better miler than out to the 2000m, he’s going to get his turn and hopefully that comes on Saturday,” he said. “He’s been very, very close most times he goes to the races.
“He’s very consistent and he’s a horse that brings in nice form.”
Lord Weyburn will be back at the races after a spell and comes off a tidy trial win to take on the Fairview Matamata 1200, while younger stablemate Jonson will run on debut in the Mimico 1400.
“He trialled really well at Ellerslie and he’s had a nice break, his best distance is up over 2000m but I think he’ll run well fresh-up,” Ormsby said.
“He’s a horse that loves racing, he’s a real competitor and puts his best foot forward.
“Thankfully Jonson’s got a good draw (2), he’s still learning the game and he’s a big, weak horse that is just going to take time.
“He’s an autumn three-year-old now and he’s got to get the ball rolling, I think he’ll be a nice horse at a mile-2000m.”
