By MIKE DILLON
Read nothing into the fact Lance O'Sullivan is riding Squirt rather than similarly unbeaten Joe Tupai in the $25,000 Lindauer Guineas Trial at Ellerslie tomorrow.
The choice was made easy for him - he rides for the stable of his brother Paul, even though Joe Tupai is owned by his sister Lisa and her husband Mark Chittick.
O'Sullivan has ridden Squirt and Joe Tupai in two winning runs apiece, Leith Innes landing the ride this time on Joe Tupai.
His performance and how he comes through will determine whether Joe Tupai goes on to the Lindauer Guineas or has a break.
"He's got to have a break sooner or later," said trainer Graham Richardson.
"He raced at Taupo, had the trip down to Otaki to race and now he's back up to a better field in the Guineas Trial.
"I'll see how he's handling all that after the race before I decide what to do with him."
Joe Tupai won only narrowly on debut, but raced away to win by more than three lengths at Otaki, producing a home straight sprint typical of very smart horses.
Big news for Richardson yesterday was that if there is no rain the Ellerslie track tomorrow will be on the good side of easy.
Squirt has done nothing wrong. Having won at 1350m, he has gone further than Joe Tupai for tomorrow's 1400m distance, his rivals two wins having been at 1200m and 1100m.
War Dancer was impressive being beaten one length by Rocky Point in the Wanganui Guineas. While the winner was close to the rail throughout, War Dancer covered a fair amount of extra ground around the home turn, but kept after the leader strongly in the closing stages of the race.
Ellerslie suits that type of determined finish and War Dancer should be suited.
The interesting runner is Fulla Vink, whose entire form has been on rain-affected tracks. She has plenty of class and heart though and is worth throwing in the multiple bets for at least this one start on better footing.
Finbar Reidy is a similar case. Of five starts, four have been on heavy tracks for two wins and two placings, his sole effort on firm footing being a useful fifth, three lengths behind Vinaka in his debut in October.
That may be a useful guide to this.
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
Latest from Racing
Jockey avoids broken bones but premiership hangs in balance
'I am pretty sore but I know it could have been a lot worse,' says McNab.