Cambridge trainers Ben and Ryan Foote are gearing up for a busy week in the world of horse racing. On Wednesday, they will send three runners to Cambridge's synthetic meeting.
The father-and-son duo is starting with a two-pronged attack, featuring The Bambino and Harmonia.
Harmonia, who has finished runner-up in three of her last four starts, is looking strong.
Ryan Foote expressed confidence, saying, “Harmonia looks hard to beat again. She has a good gate (1) so she will have a soft run and she will be thereabouts in the finish.”
However, The Bambino faces a tougher draw, starting from the outside (10).
Foote explained their strategy, “We will probably take him back and let him run home. He is a healthy and happy horse, he is fit but just lacks that bit of speed really.”
The Foote stable is also excited about the debut of La Cerveza.
Foote said, “La Cerveza has drawn a nice gate (6) and he will run well. He will take a lot of improvement out of it being his first start, but we are expecting a good run from him.”
Stablemate Enthusiastic, who won his last trial over 950m on the Cambridge Synthetic last month, is set to make his raceday debut at Taupo on Friday.
Foote is optimistic, stating, “We expect another good run from him on Friday.”
Looking ahead to New Plymouth on Saturday, Girls Light Up will be competing over 1400m, while The Bambino might also participate in the Road To The Jericho (3210m).
Foote mentioned, “Girls Light Up had a run along this morning and her work was very nice. She loves racing at New Plymouth and likes a bit of rain on the ground.
“As long as we get some rain, she will be there in the finish.”
The Bambino, on the other hand, is aiming to become a jumper, and if he gets a run, they will consider taking him down to the Road To The Jericho race.
On Sunday, the Footes will be at Te Rapa, but this time as sponsors of the Great Northern Steeplechase (6500m).
Ryan Foote expressed his enthusiasm for jumps racing, saying, “Dad has always loved the jumps racing, and it is our part to contribute back to the racing industry.
“He loves having a good day out there, and he always gets excited about it, so it is something I am sure we will continue to do in the future.”