Raymond Connors' training talents were showcased on Saturday with a memorable double at Awapuni.
The Whanganui trainer was at Te Rapa to see Max victorious in the Signature Homes Waikato Steeplechase (3900m) and 45 minutes later stablemate She's Poppy resumed on a top note by claiming the Listed James Bull Rangitikei Gold Cup (1600m).
Connors has an outstanding record with jumpers – most notably the three-time Great Northern Steeplechase (6400m) winner Hypnotize – but his conditioning skills with the flat track members of his team are also first rate.
The resume includes two Group 3 New Zealand Cups (3200m) with Blood Brotha, who also won a Group 2 Wellington Cup (2400m) and ran fourth in the Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m).
To this add a Group 3 Manawatu Classic (2000m) with his Group 1 New Zealand Derby and AJC Derby (both 2400m) placegetter King Johny.