Wag Star the one to beat in today’s Wairio Cup

[Wandering Eyes]

By Jonny Turner 

Wag Star brings the best form reference to today’s Transport Services Ltd Wairio Cup, now he just has to live up to it.

The third placegetter in the recent Group 1 Invercargill Cup will start a hot favourite ($1.80) at Central Southland Raceway on Sunday.

The 20m backmarker comes into the Wairio Cup on the back of a very narrow second in the Riverton Cup behind The Big Lebowski.

Trainer-driver Craig Ferguson saw both positives and negatives in the performance.

“He was travelling like the winner but when he got through and hit the front he lost concentration and ran in.”

“But he did get going again and the other horse dug in and fought us off.”

“The winner is a nice horse and he’s franked that form since so we can’t exactly be disappointed in our fella.”

“I have made a bit of a tweak to his gear that hopefully will help him this week.”

Having made those adjustments, Ferguson couldn’t be happier with Wag Star going into the Wairio Cup.

“I couldn’t be happier with him really, his work has improved again since his Riverton run.”

“If he can show that at the races he should be hard to beat.”

Ferguson has a strong hand to play across the Wairio Cup Day programme, including a two-pronged attack on the Southern Belle Speed Series heat.

Always Ticking and First Light both have their first starts for Ferguson in the race.

“I have been really happy with Always Ticking’s trials and her work has been good too.”

“Even with the wider draw, I think she is ready to go a pretty good race.”

“It is a bit of a step up for First Light but she gets a nice draw because of it.”

“She’s got gate speed and could get across to the markers, she’s at least a place chance.”

Babe On The Beach and Beluga both look solid eachway hopes for the Ferguson barn.

Beluga won his last start at Ascot Park while Babe On The Beach fought on nicely after sitting parked throughout her last start.

Father Ned looks the best of Ferguson’s outside drives on the Wairio Cup programme.

“His last start second was good and he feels like the sort of horse that will keep improving.”

 

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