By Adam Hamilton
IN a thrilling twist, adopted Aussie star Tiger Tara is right back in the NZ Cup mix.
In fact, trainer Kevin Pizzuto expects to confirm his surprise raid as soon as tomorrow (Monday).
“He’s going as long as I can lock in the right flights,” Pizzuto said. “I’ve been in talks and I’m told I’ll know for sure tomorrow (Monday).
“There’s a flight across a couple of days before the race and they say I can fly him back to Sydney the day after the Cup, which is crucial because he gets five days at home before he has to head tio Melbourne then Perth.
“It all looks good at the moment, let’s hope it’s all confirmed tomorrow.”
Tiger Tara resumed from a spell with a slashing third to Lennytheshark in last Saturday week’s Group 1 Victoria Cup where he smashed the clock in a leader-dominated race and made huge ground out wide from midfield.
Pizzuto then backed him up at Menangle last night where he went like a jet to win from the outside draw in a slick 1min51.3sec mile.
“Not many could do what he did last night,” Pizzuto said. “He never stopped working and actually still won strongly.
“He had the cheek to be playing-up after the race he felt that good and he ate the bucket clean this morning.
“I really hope the travel works out, I can’t wait to get him back o NZ.
“The great thing is he’s been there and done it all before in an NZ Cup and he’s run some of his best races at Addington.
“It’s all familiar to him and he’s a great traveller.”
Pizzuto had ruled-out the NZ Cup a month ago, but warmed to it again when he saw thin numbers in the key lead-up races.
“I’m always up for the challenge and I think I’ve got this horse the best he’s ever been since he came to me,” he said.
“He’s a special horse and if that means racing the very best wherever it happens to be, then I’m up for it.
“I think he’s good enough to win the Cup with the right draw and run. I’m not afraid of anything I’ve seen in the lead-up races.”
Pizzuto added he would now be watching tomorrow’s Ashburton Flying Stakes with renewed interest.
“We’re all going to know a lot about how the best Kiwi horses are going after this Ashburton race,” he said.
“Nothing can happen which would change my mind. If the travel stacks up, I’m going to the Cup.”
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