Racing: Cool Boy on verge of hat-trick

Mr Cool Boy looks well placed to go close at Awapuni today. Photograph by Stuart Munro

A return to tried and true methods has Mr Cool Boy on the verge of completing a winning hat-trick.

The 7-year-old is in career-best form following a Trentham double and he looks well-placed to go close to earning the thick end of the stake in today's Manawatu Office Products Depot Handicap at Awapuni.

"He's been a really good boy since I've changed a few things from his last campaign," part-owner and trainer Gemma McKay said.

"I used to stable him at night, but he's back in the paddock now and I've changed his feed. I'm doing everything I used to do when I first got him and he obviously likes it best this way.

"He's a lot bigger and stronger now and he's looking good.

"As long as he goes well I'm hoping to back him up at Trentham in the Parliamentary Handicap and any more rain will work in our favour," McKay said.

Mr Cool Boy struck winning form in a Rating 75 contest in the third appearance of his current campaign in May and then beat subsequent winner Thatz David last month.

McKay has also been happy with the improving filly Take The Trick, a last start fourth at Hastings, who will be pitted against her own age group in the Rayner Building Three-Year-Old.

"She's only a wee filly, but she has been working really nicely and taking everything in her stride," she said.

Meanwhile, McKay is expecting stablemate Miss Dejavu, who continues her comeback in the New World Maiden, to need more ground before hitting top form.

"She's not a 1200m horse and I think she'll be a stayer, but she needs racing," she said.
Miss Dejavu ran seventh at Otaki in her first appearance for nearly a year after being sidelined with foot issues and a subsequent virus.

* A strong showing from Platinum Command on her home track today is likely to secure a trip south for the Awapuni mare.

Victory in the Rangitikei Tyre Centre Handicap would boost her chances of a start in the group three eStar Winter Cup at Riccarton on August 6. "She probably needs a few more rating points to get in," trainer Lisa Latta said. A winner three runs back, Platinum Command finished fifth last time out in the Tauranga Classic.