Talented winter galloper Spencer (NZ) (Derryn) will aim to continue on his upward trajectory at Te Rapa on Saturday, lining up in the Fulton Hogan 1200.
The son of Derryn has made nearly every post a winner this campaign, with three consecutive victories over 1200m culminating in a highly commendable second placing behind winter topliner Belardo Boy (NZ) (Belardo) in the Listed Opunake Cup (1400m) last month.
His trainer Erin Hocquard had contemplated a trip to Riccarton Park to contest the Gr.3 Winter Cup (1600m) last Saturday, but with just 14 starts under his belt, the connections opted to stay closer to home at this stage of his promising career.
“The owners decided we would just stick to the North Island at this stage, he’s still a young horse and we may give it a crack next year,” Hocquard said.
“I thought he ran really well in the Opunake Cup, he was up in grade and against the better horses.
“He’s been good since then, jumping around and just being his usual self.”
Dropping back to his favoured distance, Spencer will carry 58kg under Craig Grylls alongside the well-performed Johny Johny and Turn The Ace, the pair both with apprentice claims.
“There’s a few races we could go for from here with him, but we’ll take it race-by-race to see how he handles the races and the stronger class along the way,” Hocquard said.