Racing: Pitman backing Sensei to shine in Group 1 Trentham run

Michael Pitman trains Sensei with his son Matthew. Photo / Race Images

Sensei will take on the older horses at Group One level at Trentham this Saturday.

Michael Pitman, who trains the colt with his son Matthew, has confirmed a start in the JR & N Berkett Telegraph (1200m).

"Danielle Johnson will [ride] him," he said. "He's bounced through [a recent run] very well and we wouldn't be backing him up unless we thought he was a serious winning chance."

Sensei was caught wide and over-raced when eighth in Saturday's Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m).

"The plan was to have been four or five back on the fence and get smothered up, but never mind," Pitman said. "I think he's a 1200 or 1400m horse."

Stablemate Savvy Coup was a bold third in the Levin Classic and a decision on her immediate future will be made in the next couple of days.

"She'll either back up in the Desert Gold Stakes or go on to Ellerslie for the Karaka 3YO Classic," Pitman said. "She's tough and [does back up] well."

Pinup Coup, who finished third in Rating 65 company at the weekend, is a definite contender for this Saturday's Gr.3 Metroclad-Terracade Desert Gold Stakes (1600m).

Meanwhile, the Riccarton stable will chase a sentimental victory with Dynamic in today's Evelyn Carran Memorial Reefton Cup (1400m).

"We'd love to win the race. Evelyn was a very good owner of ours and raced El Chico and Southern Sav as well as a host of other horses," Pitman said.

Dynamic is in good form and most recently was runner-up at Omakau.

"He's drawn one and there should be plenty of pace early so he'll get a good run," Pitman said.

- NZ Racing Desk