Matscot chasing TAB mile success for the locals

[Wandering Eyes]

Canterbury galloper Matscot (NZ) (Haradasun) will aim to break a streak of visitor success in the Gr.3 TAB Mile (1600m) when he takes his second shot at the feature on Wednesday at Riccarton Park.

The eight-year-old went close to winning last year’s edition, missing the top spot by a head to Central Districts raider Kopua. A sought-after prize, the $250,000 race has been won by North Island contenders for the past six runnings and Matscot is right in contention to change that trend again this year, currently rated a $12 hope with fellow Riccarton gelding Sir Albert on top at $4.60.

He comes into the race this year in a similar vein of form, having finished a strong third behind Sir Albert in the Listed Sothy’s Spring Classic (2000m) with the 59kg topweight on his back after failing to handle the conditions in the Gr.1 Howden Insurance Mile (1600m) at Te Rapa.

“He didn’t handle the track at Te Rapa at all but he ran very well in the Spring Classic, particularly carrying that weight,” said Alan Reeves, who trains in partnership with Sharon Robertson.

“He found the line with a bit of purpose which was great to see, it was a good run going into the mile.

“He’s come back from 2000m before so we know what to do with him, he’s been out to Brian Court’s for five days the water walker for a freshen up, he loves it out there. It’s like a holiday for him while still getting some exercise in.

“Yogesh (Atchamah) galloped him on the course proper on Saturday and he went really nicely, he loves to have a bowl around there. He’s all ready to go.”

Jockey Joe Doyle will continue his association with the son of Haradasun and they will jump from the outside barrier of 14, which hasn’t deterred Reeves.

“It’s great to have Joe on him again, he knows him really well now which is good as he’s quite a quirky horse, he still does a few things wrong,” he said.

“I see he’s drawn the outside but that probably suits him, he can have a bit of room and stay out of trouble.”

While he hasn’t shied away from travelling their homebred Group One performer over the past couple of seasons, Reeves is looking forward to competing close to home on Wednesday.

“It’s lovely to run at home as the owners and Sharon can watch him, it would be great to win one around here as he does a lot of travelling up north with the weight he gets down here,” he said.

“Sharon’s not very well, so it would be nice for Harvey to go a big race for her. Time will tell.”

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