Former Kiwi star Tiger Tara is primed for a hit-and-run return to his old homeland.
Last year’s NZ Cup runner-up capped his preparation for this year’s race with another dominant and powerhouse Menangle win last night.
And trainer Kevin Pizzuto can’t wait to stretch him out to his more favoured staying distance against the best New Zealand has to offer on Tuesday week.
“He’s winning these mile races, but they aren’t really his go,” he said. “He’s a stayer, not a sprinter, but he’s simply too good for them over here.
“The Kiwis know what a great stayer he is, but he hasn’t had many chances to show it over here.”
Tiger Tara joined Pizzuto’s stable early this year and the trainer is adamant he has never had him better.
“As good as he was at times last campaign, he’s better now. He’s the best he’s been since he came to my stable,” he said.
“I’m taking him across knowing I can’t have him any better.”
Tiger Tara returned from a spell with an eye-catching third to Lennytheshark from a back row in the Victoria Cup on October 14 and has followed with two Menangle mile wins.
Last night he drew wide, drifted back early, but stayed in the three-wide line to move around the field and eventually get parked outside the leader at the 600m.
Tiger Tara cruised to the front rounding the home bend and won as he liked by six metres in a 1min51.8sec mile, closing it off in 54.6 and 26.9.
He looked very strong to the line.
“What I liked most was how he travelled. Often he needs to be scrubbed along, but Todd (McCarthy, driver) said he felt keen and sharp last night,” Pizzuto said.
“It’s what I hoped for. I’ve changed his training with the 3200m of NZ in mind and he seems to be enjoying it.”
Pizzuto said he was impressed watching NZ Cup favourite Lazarus win at Kaikoura last Monday.
“They’ve got a good batch of horses over there, but he looks the standout. It’s the NZ Cup so I respect them all, but Lazarus is the one to beat,” he said.
Tiger Tara is likely to have a workout on Tuesday then board a flight from Sydney to Christchurch that night.
Adam Hamilton