In-form sprinter Slipper Island will close out a lucrative summer and autumn campaign when he attempts to extend his winning streak at Trentham on Saturday.
The five-year-old will chase a first black-type credit in the Listed City of Napier Sprint (1200m) off the back of a hat-trick of victories over the course and distance.
Slipper Island hasn’t missed a beat since his last trip to Wellington and while he faces stiffer opposition, the son of No Nay Never will drop six kilos down the handicap.
“We are running out of options with him and the good tracks, which he needs, and with his form at Trentham it’s a good race to finish off this preparation,” trainer Tony Pike said.
“He’s full of confidence now and has obviously been a bit frustrating at times, he didn’t have the best of luck last season either.
“He’s struck three together and racing is career best form. It’s obviously a big step up on Saturday, but a big drop in weight as well and he deserves his chance.”
Slipper Island won his first race at Trentham as a juvenile and prior to a successful return last January to begin his current winning roll, his only success between times had been on his home synthetic track during the winter of 2023.
“He’s finally found what he showed us early on and hopefully he carries on with it next season as well,” Pike said.
Slipper Island will be accompanied south by his two-year-old stablemates Justice For All, a daughter of Turn Me Loose, and Rock Hudson, who steps out in the Life Direct 2YO (1300m).
The former has finished third in both of her previous appearance while Star Turn’s son Rock Hudson will be on debut following a pair of lead-up trial placings.
“They are both nice types and Justice For All is a big, scopey filly and I think the 1300m at Trentham will suit her,” Pike said.
“She is probably going to be a better thee-year-old and this will be the last run of her preparation.
“Rock Hudson is a horse we really like, obviously he lacks experience and is another, big and scopey horse and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him run a big race.
“They are pretty even and while the filly has race day experience, he probably has got a little bit more upside at this point in time.”
The stable will also be represented at Te Rapa on Sunday with Cannon Hill and Witz End giving Pike a strong hand in the BCD Group Handicap (1400m).
“I think Cannon Hill will run a big race, he has come up really well this prep and Witz End being back left-handed will be a big help for him and he always goes well fresh,” he said.
“The rest of the team should all be each way chances as well with the right runs.”
