Bold front-runner Witz End is likely to be seen in a different role in Saturday’s Gr.3 J Swap Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa.

The son of Savabeel has fashioned an enviable record since debuting less than 12 months ago, winning four of his nine starts and placing behind subsequent Group One winner Grail Seeker in the Gr.2 Wellington Guineas (1400m) in March.

The Guineas was one of the few occasions Witz End has not been the pacemaker, and while he’s won twice this preparation in that fashion, his trainer Tony Pike is looking for a change of tactics after he was run down late in the Gr.3 TAB Classic (1600m) at Riccarton Park last month.

“He did a lot of work early again, especially on that big Riccarton track and got run over late,” Pike said.

“This is a good opportunity where he doesn’t need to lead, probably his best run came in the Wellington Guineas last season.

“From gate two, we’re going to ride him a lot quieter on Saturday, he’s nicely weighted and he’s a very talented horse with plenty of upside about him. I think we’ll see a much improved performance.”

Sam Weatherley will reunite with the gelding in the feature, which will determine where the gelding will head over the summer period, with plenty of lucrative options. He holds a nomination for the Gr.1 Harcourts Thorndon Mile (1600m) on January 14, but further north, there is a million-dollar target on Pike’s agenda.

“I think he’s a 1400-miler, I don’t think the mile is going to be a concern going forward if he’s ridden quietly,” he said.

“We’re looking at some of the bigger miles if he performs well on Saturday, the four-year-old mile ($1 million Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic) on Karaka Millions night is his main target this preparation.”

Prior to Saturday’s assignment, Pike will have a competitive team of runners at Ellerslie on Thursday, including promising three-year-old Wind Rush searching for his maiden success in the Barfoot And Thompson 1400.

The son of Almanzor finished third in the Listed Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre 2YO Stakes (1400m) as a juvenile, and at his first attempt in stakes company this season, he finished a meritorious fourth behind Checkmate in the Listed Armacup 3YO Stakes (1500m).

“It was a solid performance, the slightly off track didn’t help and he was possibly ridden a bit close to the speed, but he’s probably going to get to that level next preparation,” Pike said.

“Obviously dropping back to maiden class from a good quality three-year-old stakes race, and drawn one, he should be very hard to beat on Thursday.”

Joining Wind Rush in the maiden contest will be debutant Nature Reserve, a Kermadec filly who Pike has eyed for the $1 million Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) next March.

“She’s had some nice barrier trials and was probably a bit unlucky in her trial at Taupo, getting locked up behind runners but she hit the line nicely and will benefit from the experience,” he said.

“She’s a nice staying filly going forward and definitely one to watch once she gets over further.”

Kelly Myers has been entrusted with the filly’s first-up ride and will also partner stablemate Wind Of Change in the Cambridge Stud 1200. The speedy mare has finished in the top three at every start this campaign.

“She’s been very consistent right throughout this preparation,” Pike said.

“She gets a better barrier on Thursday which will definitely help, she maps to lead and lead quite comfortably. It would be great to get another win on the board for Matt Goodson (owner).”

Completing Pike’s representatives will be Maldini in the SkyCity Horizon 1600, a flashing late finisher in each of his last two starts over 1400m and a mile this campaign

“He’s been running some amazing sectionals from well back in the field from bad barriers,” Pike said.

“He’s definitely due to win again, we’ve got an awkward barrier to contend with tomorrow night but he only needs an ounce of luck to be winning third-up.

“He’s a promising staying horse going forward.”

Poetic Justice will be Pike’s sole runner at the Tauranga meeting on Friday, chasing his elusive maiden success after a string of placings, including a last-start second at New Plymouth.

“I was probably a touch disappointed with his run there on face value, but he didn’t really handle the tight Taranaki circuit that well,” Pike said.

“Back right-handed with the application of blinkers from a good barrier, he should have his chance on Friday.”