Trainer Danica Guy has her sights set on Ellerslie in January with the promising three-year-old Lupo Solitario.
His previously unbeaten streak was halted at Te Rapa last Saturday when he finished as the runner-up behind Crocetti in the Group 2 James And Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m).
Guy, although content with the performance, expressed frustration about the race lacking tempo.
She said, “Crocetti got quite a soft time of it, and we probably would have liked to have seen a little bit more pressure put on him through the race, and we may have seen a different result.”
Guy explained further, “It came down to tactics; unfortunately, we were in the one-one, so we weren't the one able to apply pressure, and the one that was outside didn't apply the pressure. But I am very happy with our horse; he ran a huge race.”
Lupo Solitario, who had secured victory in his two prior outings, is now set for a period of rest before targeting the Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie in January.
His next objective is the Group 3 Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m) at Pukekohe on December 9.
Guy provided an update on the horse's condition, stating, “He has come through the run really well. He has two weeks in the paddock now, and then we will bring him back for racing in December. At this stage, we are looking at the Bonecrusher and perhaps either Boxing Day or New Year's Day, and then into the Karaka Million from there.”