Tapanui trainer Matt Saunders keeps a regular eye on racing at Addington. He’s notices horses that race at the premier circuit which run good times, but don’t finish in the top four or five. He’s made a habit for some time of buying some of them and then tries them in easier Southland graded races. Stoppitt is one such horse.
“He ran seventh to Gran Chico last start and they reckon he’s a Derby horse,” he said.
By Gotta Co Cullect, Stoppitt had previously been trained by Grant Anderson and Saunders has had him for just over three weeks.
“He was pretty tired after a couple of Addington runs so we haven’t done much with him. I thought he was going to be short of a run today. Matty (Williamson) said he did come to the end of it but he’d done enough.”
From barrier three Williamson, who had driven the horse at his previous two starts, took him straight to the front.
Matty Williamson reining up Stoppitt to win at Ascot Park today – Photo Bruce Stewart
“He’s not got a lot of speed so he just had to go out there and do it. That’s why I wasn’t sure whether he was ready or not.”
Saunders has certainly found a bit of a niche in spotting these horses and bringing them south.
“Now the way the maiden races are, you’re getting six or seven grand for a maiden win so if you can get them for half that or under you can turn them over pretty quick and do alright.”
He shares in the ownership with John Cutler of Cutler’s Real Estate in Dunedin.
“I saw him at a golf tournament and he said to me if I had anything to flick him an email. I did and he jumped in. He’s in India at the moment on a big trip so he’ll be chuffed.”
Bruce Stewart