Progressive sprinter Spencer gets a chance to redeem himself at Wanganui on Saturday and add to his burgeoning record.
The son of Derryn will bid for further open class honours when he steps out in the Balance Accountants Handicap (1200m) off the back of a below par last-start effort at Te Rapa.
Spencer had been in hot form before heading north and trainer Erin Hocquard had a nagging pre-race doubt that the five-year-old wasn’t his usual self.
“Normally, he’s quite perky in the birdcage and on the toe and he wasn’t really like that. He may have got a bit too far back as well and had to go wide,” she said.
“I don’t know whether he really loved that track, and it was his first trip away.’
The well-supported Spencer finished fifth and Hocquard said he had bounced through the northern venture in good heart.
“He’s come through it well and he is a tough little bugger,” she said.
The gelding had previously posted consecutive Rating 75 wins at Trentham and Otaki before successfully stepping up to the top grade at Hastings.
He then came through his first black-type test with flying colours when runner-up to the well-performed winter galloper Belardo Boy in the Listed Opunake Cup (1400m).
“There are a few more options coming up for him, but it’s more race by race and we’ll see what happens first on Saturday,” Hocquard said.
The winner of five of his 15 starts, Spencer can at times be a bit of a handful although he has improved with age.
“Some days he can be quite spooky, but he’s growing up and is better than last year,” Hocquard said.
“I’ve always thought highly of him and I think I’ve been lucky having Lisa (Allpress) on him, although that won’t be the case this time.”
With Allpress sidelined by injury, Spencer will be ridden by apprentice Joe Nishizuka and will benefit from his four-kilo claim.
Hocquard also has the in-form mare Our Sassie Anne in good touch for the Wanganui Chronicle Handicap (1200m) with Lily Sutherland booked for the ride.
The daughter of The Bold One broke her maiden two runs back at Hawera and returned there to continue her form with a runner-up finish.
“I was trying to ger her ridden back last season and that didn’t work out so she’s happy ridden closer to the pace,” Hocquard said.
“She’s going well and tries hard, both of mine will handle the track and they galloped well on Thursday morning. They are both fit horses.”
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