Forgotten Kiwi star Saveapatrol is ready to kick-start his harness racing career again.
The Christian Cullen – Rondel Franco gelding has not raced since finishing third in the 2014 Auckland Cup behind champion pacers Terror To Love and Adore Me at Alexandra Park, Auckland.
A series of niggling leg injuries has kept him away from the racetrack ever since but a return is imminent following impressive workout/trials recently in Christchurch.
Prepared by former World Driving Championship winner Mark Jones, Saveapatrol resumes next week in the Thames Cup in Auckland.
“It’s great to have him back; it’s been a long slow build-up for him but he’s fit and healthy right now and we’re all looking forward to having him back at the races. The plan is start him in Auckland before heading straight to Brisbane for a four start winter carnival campaign.” Jones said.
Saveapatrol will tackle the Gr.2 $50,000 4 & 5yo Championship on July 11, the Gr.1 $125,000 Blacks A Fake on July 18, the Gr.3 $30,000 Patrons Purse on July 25 and the Gr.2 $50,000 Redcliffe Cup on August 1 before returning home for a New Zealand Cup preparation.
A winner of 10 races from 16 starts, Saveapatrol scored impressively in his latest workout on Monday at Addington with Blair Orange taking the drive.
He paced the 2600m in a mile rate of 2;02.7 while finishing off in 57.5 and 27.7 seconds.
“He won comfortably and he paced his last mile and a half in 3;00 and did it very easily and Blair said he felt great. We’ve given him a number of workouts and he’s gradually increased his work load with each run.
“He’s out on the beach at Woodend with Regan (Todd – stable foreman) and he’s very sound right now so we’re keen to give him his shot at some of the better races and the Queensland campaign fits his schedule perfectly.
“Blair has given us a vote of confidence by declaring he’ll go anywhere to drive him, so he’s heading to Auckland and then over to Australia. He claims he’s one of the most gifted horses he’s driven and as we know, he’s driven some of the best during his time with Mark Purdon.”
Saveapatrol heads to Auckland this weekend in preparation for the $20,000 Thames Winter Cup next Friday, a stand-start feature staged over 2700m.
Zakspatrol, a five win pacer, will make the trip to Queensland with Saveapatrol.
Both horses are raced by Grant Hatton.
by Chris Barsby