Racing: Hannam has authentic opportunity at Oamaru today

Robert Hannam has teamed up with the Lisa Latta-trained gelding in all but one of his nine raceday starts. Photo / Glenn Taylor

Palmerston North jockey Robert Hannam will continue his impressive association with Authentic Paddy at Oamaru today.

The pair have combined for three wins, including two this season, and the versatile son of Howbaddouwantit will be suited on the softer track at Oamaru after finishing seventh on a dead track at Waimate last month.

"He loves the deep tracks and it was never going to be wet enough for him at Waimate," Hannam said. "If it is puggy and wet enough and it's hard work, he'll definitely handle it."

Hannam has teamed up with the Lisa Latta-trained gelding in all but one of his nine raceday starts, and loves the 3-year-old's honest efforts.

"He's never run a bad race, even as a 2-year-old. I think he's only been out of the money twice."

Authentic Paddy is one of several winning chances for Latta as she tries to trim the 10-win gap to premiership leader Michael Pitman, who still leads with 83 wins.

City Chic (R6) and Miss Lincoln (R7) - both to be ridden by Buddy Lammas - are two of the better Latta hopefuls, but Hannam feels the track should be perfectly suited for Jackson Street (R5) in the rating 65 1200m.

The No Excuse Needed gelding defied Hannam's opinion of him when he won fresh-up at Waimate on June 28. "It surprised me - I didn't think it was wet enough for him at Waimate.

"He gallops pretty good on wet tracks at home, so if it's definitely slow he'll be a good chance as well.

"As long as it's wet and slow, I think he'll be as good as gold."

A surprise phone call from Paul Richards has given Hannam his strongest ride for the day. Resplendent (R4) should clear the maiden ranks sooner, rather than later.