A trio of high-performing stablemates is set to embark on their quest for a coveted spot in the Jericho Cup (4600m) in Victoria later this year.
The first step in this journey will be taken by extreme distance contenders Right Now, Jesko, and Sailor Jack as they vie for victory in the NZB Airfreight Road To The Jericho (3210m) at New Plymouth.
These horses will be the inaugural runners for the newly formed training partnership of Awapuni-based trainer and accomplished jumps jockey Shaun Fannin and his fiancé Hazel Schofer, whose partnership was officially approved this week.
Hazel Schofer, a former jockey with an impressive record of 123 wins, including three at the Group or Listed level, faced challenges related to weight during her riding career.
“She might come back to riding one day, but not in the near future,” commented Fannin.
Their primary focus now lies in their training operation.
Their sights are firmly set on the Jericho Cup, scheduled to be held at Warrnambool on December 3, and Right Now, Jesko, and Sailor Jack are all in excellent condition to pursue their bids for a spot in the prestigious race.
“It's definitely the plan to go, all three of them stay really well,” expressed Fannin.
While Fannin finds it challenging to distinguish among the trio, he is impressed with their current form.
“They have showed that they can stay, so the distance will suit them all down to the ground.”
Each horse has unique preferences for track conditions, with Jesko and Right Now favoring wet tracks, while Sailor Jack has demonstrated his ability on both wet and Good 4 ground.
“If I had to lean one way then probably Sailor Jack at the weights, he's got 55kg and is a horse that has really improved.”
Sailor Jack had a strong performance at Hawera under 67.5kg, winning convincingly after joining Fannin's stable.
Right Now, a progeny of Wrote, has secured three consecutive victories over middle distances, with his most recent triumph at Awapuni following a hiatus of more than three months between races.
Fannin expressed optimism about the horse's potential, stating, “He's not the greatest trackworker so he can be a bit deceiving. He keeps stepping up and looks a promising jumper for next year, he's done a fair bit of schooling and shows plenty so I'm quite excited by him.”
Jesko, an Atlante gelding, claimed victory at Otaki two starts back and displayed resilience with a fifth-place finish despite a challenging race at Awapuni.
Fannin remarked, “All three are in with really good chances, they are fit and well, and I think it will probably come down to the track and the run they get on the day.”