Many Southland trainers were eager to resume racing at Gore on Friday, but due to the severe weather forecast, the meeting had to be rescheduled to Sunday.
“It has been a long winter for trainers in the deep south, and Ascot Park conditioner Sally McKay is particularly looking forward to its return after its winter hiatus in the region,” she expressed.
Sally McKay is set to have four contenders at the upcoming meeting, including Henry Hubber. Henry, the son of Rip Van Winkle, showcased outstanding form during his last preparation, securing four consecutive wins in his final four starts.
McKay has been impressed with Henry's return and is excited to see him back in action.
“He is a lovely horse and he got us quite excited last season, so here's hoping he can go on with it. He has come back super.”
To prepare Henry for his first race of the season, McKay brought him back into training early to avoid the wet and cold conditions in the region.
“We might have given him six weeks off. We brought him back in early because it gets so wet and cold down here and he has had a slow build-up. He had a jump-out last week, and he came through that nicely,” she explained.
However, she expressed concern about the track conditions, hoping they wouldn't be too heavy for his first-up run.
McKay's plans for Henry Hubber extend beyond Sunday's race.
“At this stage, we will go to Ashburton on October 14 for an Open 1200m, and then he will go to the Pegasus (Listed, 1000m) and then the Stewards (Group 3, 1200m),” she outlined.
In addition to Henry Hubber, McKay will also be fielding The Red Kracken, Cluedo Lane, and Industrialist. Regarding Industrialist, McKay mentioned, “He had a week off after Riccarton, and he looks an absolute picture. He galloped up very nicely this week, and I am happy with where he is at.”
However, she expressed a need for improvement in The Red Kracken and Cluedo Lane, stating, “I am not happy with where his (The Red Kracken) coat is at, he has got a lot of improvement in him.”
“Cluedo Lane is a very talented horse. He disappointed us last prep, but he has had a good spell, has come back in, and is working nicely.”
Despite some reservations, McKay remains hopeful for Cluedo Lane's performance, saying, “He had a quiet jump-out last week. In his first start in the barriers he got a hell of a fright so we are trying to get his confidence up around there. He came through his trial well, and he is working up well, so here's hoping he doesn't get himself all worked up before the race this week.”
“I feel he will probably need it, but 1100m is perfect because he has got a fair bit of pace, but we will know more after Sunday. He will come on a lot because his coat also isn't moving.”