Cambridge trainer Lee Somervell could stage a two-pronged attack on the Listed $50,000 Brancott Estate Ryder Stakes (1200m) at Otaki on July 28.
Somervell already had the Levin Racing Club's feature on the agenda for Kapsboy, a half-brother to stable star Fleur de Lune who won on debut at the Rotorua meeting last month. And after yesterday's Tauranga fixture, stablemate Addictive Habit also put himself into contention for the Ryder Stakes when scoring first-up in the Lion Red - Mount Maunganui RSA 1200 at Gate Pa.
"For a little trainer like me it would be huge to have two runners in a race like that," said Somervell. "Kapsboy is being set for the race, though he's had a bit of a setback with the trials called off at Cambridge yesterday, and I could run this horse [Addictive Habit], too. He has a lovely temperament and has shown ability from the outset."
Addictive Habit is the first two-year-old winner for Colombia, who is better known as a sire of horses who need more time and usually more distance than the 1200 metres of yesterday's event.
He is from the Sky Chase mare Chasing The Habit, a half-sister to champion galloper Rough Habit.
"He's the only outside horse I'm training," said Somervell, who is private trainer for Cambridge Thoroughbred Lodge's owner, Ada Parnwell. "It's through having Rough Habit at the Lodge that I've been able to train this one."
Rough Habit, part of the Horse Magic show at the Lodge, was bred by Isabel Roddick , who also owns and is part of the syndicate which races Addictive Habit.
"When Isabel asked if I'd take him [Addictive Habit], I said I'd love to," said Somervell. "He'd already been broken in and was such a lovely horse."
Addictive Habit had a couple of trials before yesterday's race with the best result being a second over 700 metres at Paeroa on June 12. He was due to start a week ago, but the decision was made to wait for yesterday's contest.
Ridden by Jason Jago, Addictive Habit tracked the leader Agostini and worked to the front early in the run home. He then stuck to his guns to hold out Move Faster, who made a solid claim down the outside, to score by a length and a half.
"Jason said he was really only doing half-pace," said Somervell. "The horse doesn't know much yet. He did it all on raw ability."
Gurus Spirit provided a fine tonic for Matamata trainer and part-owner Richard Coxon when winning the Lion Red - Club Mount Maunganui 1600.
Coxon has been undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer but was on hand for the win and in good spirits after the event.
"This horse has been good for me," said Coxon. "She helps me keep going. It's great to get a win and she's got a couple for me since we took over the lease this year."
Gurus Spirit has been prepared by Coxon from the outset, but after winning a couple of races, her owner Gary Hodel decided not to carry on with her. That was when Coxon stepped in and along with members of his family, a syndicate was arranged.
Gurus Spirit recaptured her best form when scoring at Ellerslie last month with Cameron Lammas in the saddle and after a third and a fifth Lammas, was reunited with the 5-year-old yesterday.
Gurus Spirit trailed the leader Bruce Almighty and was challenging nearing the home turn. She then fought on strongly to hold out her rivals and win by a head from New Moon, who finished solidly.
Coxon has credited yesterday's win to his brother, Wayne, who is part of the syndicate. "I've been away for a week or so and Wayne has been in charge," said Coxon. "He's done a good job with her."
Coxon also puts the recent surge in form by Gurus Spirit down to a change in routine.
"She stresses a lot so we just paddock-train her now and it seems to be working well," he said.