By Tayler Strong
A dashing workout at Forbury Park on Saturday has American Spirit on target for race 11 there on Thursday night.
American Spirit hinted at a return to winning form when third to Mossdale Conner and Bettor Enforce in the Roxburgh Cup on January 4. Trainer Darryn Simpson paid up for American Spirit at Oamaru a week later but decided against a start as he was not happy with his condition. The slushy Roxburgh track was very demanding of horses.
“I backed off and freshened him and he has been to the beach half a dozen times,’’ said Simpson. “He did everything asked of him in the workout without the ear plugs coming out.”
American Spirit ran 2200m from the mobile gate in 2.48.6, home in 58.9 and won by five lengths from the maiden Miss Stella.
“There is still improvement in him but he is not far off his peak,” said Simpson.
American Spirit was in good form about this time last year when he won at Omakau, Wyndham and Waikouaiti from his first four starts.
Its Elvis, a stablemate of American Spirit, has pleased Simpson in his preparation for race 8. Its Elvis, a winner at Forbury Park , blew the start when favourite resuming there on December 21.
He has since had four trials or workouts at Forbury for two wins.
“He has been trotting really well. It is just the start with him. He gets fired up,” said Simpson.
Blair Orange has retained the drives on both horses.
Missie Castleton, a newcomer to the Temuka stable of Brent White, could make her presence felt against Its Elvis. White won with Bear’s Rest, Belmont Jet and Ultimate Fella on his last visit to Forbury Park on December 21.
Bear’s Rest , a subsequent winner at Washdyke, is in race 5. He has gained two of his three wins at Forbury Park.
Brads Kenny, a nine and three quarter length winner at Omakau two starts back, could be the stumbling block for Bear’s Rest.
Tangos Delight is worth consideration in race 9, a C2-6 free-for-all. She won a similar race at Forbury Park in August and has since been placed in much stronger company at Addington.
Sovereign Banner, the likely favourite, has had the chance to freshened since he finished fourth at Forbury Park on December 21. He won a trial there on January 21 with his stablemate Hopes And Dreams the runner up. Hopes And Dream is resuming in race 10 from a four month break. She is a speedy mare who won fresh up at Forbury Park in July for the Graeme Anderson stable.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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