Stakes targets in the offing for Brave Spirit

[Wandering Eyes]

Stakes targets are in the offing for in-form gelding Brave Spirit (NZ) (Swiss Ace) if he continues his purple patch of form in Saturday’s Hope & Sons/Adam’s Plumbing Open 1400 at Wingatui.

The consistent six-year-old was runner-up first-up in his stable debut for trainer Jospeh Waldron at Riccarton in October before going one better at the Christchurch track a month later.

He then stepped up to Open company for the first time at Wingatui on Boxing Day where he was victorious in his 1200m contest.

Waldron has been pleased with the gelding’s progression since that run and is confident of a similar showing at his home track this weekend where he will jump from barrier three with apprentice jockey Triston Moodley in the saddle.

“He should get a perfect run from that draw,” Waldron said. “Triston knows him well after his last run, so there won’t be many instructions, he knows how to get the job done.

“He has been in great form since his last start, so there is no reason why he can’t win again.

“It was great to see him take that step up and win in Open company, it shows he is well and truly up to that level.

“He has got a better record at 1400m than he does at 1200m, so I am really looking forward to seeing him at that trip.”

While contemplating sending Brave Spirit to the paddock for a spell, Waldron said he may be tempted to contest next month’s Listed Property Brokers – Ray Kean Hazlett Stakes (1400m) if he performs up to expectations this weekend.

“He is up in the ratings now so if he did happen to win, or be competitive, and comes through the run well, he could possibly go to the Hazlett,” he said.

“At the same time, he has done a good job for us this time around so we could put him away and wait again. We will take it one run at a time and be grateful that he has already done what he has done.”

Waldron is also looking forward to stablemate Mawkeb making her New Zealand debut in the Cargill Contracting And Wae 65 1200.

The daughter of Deep Field came into his care while he was in Australia and following a good spell she will make her first appearance for the stable this weekend.

“She is a long time between runs,” Waldron said. “We got her just before we left Australia. She has a fair bit of wear and tear, so she needed a good break, which we gave her, and she has had a slow, easy build-up and is doing everything right.

“She is a very good wet-tracker, so any kind of rain that we get between now and the weekend will be of real benefit for her.

“She is more of a 1400m to a miler type horse, so as long as she is hitting the line it will be a pass mark. She is going in without a jump-out and almost 12 months between runs, so she will well and truly improve from the run.

“She is classy and she looks well placed back in 65 grade, but there are certainly no expectations.”

Waldron will also be represented by Group Three performer Let Fly (NZ) (Raise The Flag) in the Skevingtons Waikouaiti Cup (2200m).

“She was okay in a very oddly run race last time,” Waldron said. “It looks like we should get a better run from the good draw (2).

“Up in open company is not really ideal and Mayor Of Norwood (NZ) (Ghibellines) is a good horse, so he will be hard to beat, even with the weight (61kg). It is a pretty even bunch around him so we are looking forward to hopefully seeing a bit more from her this time.”

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