Racing: Tanaka seeks second group one

Lincoln Blue has each-way prospects at Trentham. Photo / Trish Dunell

Central Districts jockey Masa Tanaka is hoping Trentham can again play host for him winning another group one race when he rides Lincoln Blue in the Levin Classic (1600m) today.

He claimed his only group one win when he rode the rail home in the 2011 Thorndon Mile aboard Booming at the Wellington venue.

"I've haven't got one since Booming so another one would be good," Tanaka said.

Tanaka has guided the Lisa Latta-trained Savabeel colt Lincoln Blue to stakes wins at his past two starts in the Wellington Stakes (1600m) at Trentham and the Race 4 Life 3YO Salver (2100m) at Ellerslie.

"I haven't ridden him since that last race but Lisa told me his trackwork has been very good," Tanaka said. "His wins were in easier fields and this time we are up against better horses, so it's a good test for him. He's got an awkward barrier draw but he's got good gate speed and he'll go forward.

"I expect him to go a really good race. I'm looking forward to seeing how good he is."

Tanaka rated Lincoln Blue as the best 3-year-old he has ridden, slightly ahead of Survived, whom he rode to win the Hawke's Bay Cup (2200m) in his 3-year-old season in 2013.

"I've never ridden a Derby horse before. It's a new experience for me so it's a good test for me, too," he said.

Lincoln Blue is the TAB's $10 third favourite behind Hall Of Fame at $2.90 and Savile Row at $4.20 for today's contest.

Tanaka will also shoot for Trentham stakes success aboard Iamishwara in the Anniversary (1600m) and Kairanga Lad in the Mills Reef Winery Trentham Stakes (2100m).

- NZ Racing Desk.