Two magnificent Wairarapa gallopers are set to do battle at Hastings on Saturday when they line up in the group 1 Mudgway Stakes. Tavistock and Fritzy Boy have got to know each other pretty well during workouts at the Opaki track - as have their trainers Andrew Campbell and Alby MacGregor- but the gloves will be off on Saturday as their vie for top honours in one of the country's richest races and first leg of the Hawke's Bay Triple Crown. Unfortunately, neither Wairarapa galloper has drawn well, with Tavistock getting the 16 marble and Fritzy Boy an even wider draw at 18. This aside, both horses stripped in wonderful order for track work yesterday, bringing smiles to the faces of both Campbell and MacGregor in what could be termed not only a contest between gallopers but also a clash of the clans. Fritzy Boy - who won the Mudgway last year - is jumping out of his skin, having won at Foxton in the first start of his new campaign, and Tavistock, who has not long been back from an Australian campaign, was equally as bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Tavistock finished third to Fritzy Boy at Foxton in a race many pundits consider a wonderful warm-up for the big races ahead. Both trainers are realists, however, and know racing is a fickle business that could bring about a result in the Mudgway that would satisfy neither of them. Fritzy Boy will again have the service of jockey Michael Walker and Tavistock will be piloted by Jason Waddell. All things being equal between now and Saturday, the Hastings track should be in tip-top order as drying winds and sunshine bode well for good going.
