KEY POINTS:
Capecover will lack little in the way of preparation for the $220,000 New Zealand Cup on Saturday.
The 5-year-old gelding was having just his 14th start when winning the $75,000 Metropolitan Trophy Handicap (2500m) at Riccarton on Saturday but behind the scenes there had been a ton of
groundwork, Wanganui trainer Alexander Fieldes said.
"He's had four trips to the South Island [for racing]," Fieldes said.
'There would have been 20 trips to the races when he hasn't raced and five or six times I've turned him out of training when he was just coming to a peak."
Fieldes said those procedures were necessary to help settle the horse who had been such a handful earlier on and had tested the patience of fellow Wanganui trainer Kevin Myers.
It was Myers who bought Capecover for $40,000 at the National Yearlings Sales at Karaka, south Auckland, the same month the horse's half-brother Upsetthym won the Auckland Cup (3200m).
Myers, a part-owner of the Cape Cross bay, told Fieldes to be patient.
"He was a time job," Fieldes said.
"Kevin said every time to take as long as I like. I said he would be five before he's any good."
The horse became a labour of love but Fieldes had faith although he did not openly disclose it.
"I have basically slept with him for the last four years.
"I've never had a horse as good as this to play with but I've never opened my mouth about him either."
Fieldes, 50, a former part-time racing journalist and tipster, has been involved with horses since he was a teenager but training remains a hobby.
He is the father of promising apprentice Sam Fieldes, Capecover's regular rider.
But Sam could not take the mount on Saturday and will not be available for the cup ride after being suspended for a month for wearing an unapproved riding vest.
The cup mount goes to Michael Walker who combined with Capecover on Saturday. He settled him at the back of the field and was third-last of the 14 runners inside the last 1000m.
Walker eased the $7.90 third favourite to the outside at the top of the straight, quickly ranged up to the leaders and had bounded to the front inside the last 200m. He came clear to score by 1 1/2 lengths.
An eye-catching second was second favourite Tedriffic, who got home strongly after being cramped for room for much of the home straight.
Three-quarters of a length away third was Bringbackthebiff followed by Mystify fourth. Favourite Everswindell was fifth after being handy most of the way.
Rider Noel Harris said Everswindell was on fresh side and would be better for the outing.
NZ Cup market: $2.80 Capecover; $4.80 Everswindell; $6.50 Tedriffic; $10 Bringbackthebiff; $12 Son Of The Oak, Stabinthedark, Shear D'Cash; $14 Conquistador; $18 Cape Kinaveral; $21 Taikorea; $26 Coup Triumphal; $31 Shinko Dancer, Mystify, Bold Contact, Empyreal; $41 Western Line, Miles, Jovial Jock, Hobes; $51 I'm A Panther, Eternal Dancer, Him A Gotta Go; $61 Ho Down; $81 Art Link, Quantum Dude; $101 or better the rest.
- NZPA