Promising four-year-old El Chapeau opened his preparation in perfect style and is in the right order to make a bold bid for two wins on the bounce when he runs at his home meeting at Riccarton on Saturday.
The Anna Furlong-trained son of El Roca will step up to Rating 65 company in the Racecourse Hotel & Motor Lodge Handicap (1400m) and will again be partnered by Leah Hemi.
She will also be aboard stablemate Tommy Shelby who also looks a strong chance in the opening event on the card, the Speight’s Summit Ultra On Tap Maiden (1400m).
Hemi guided El Chapeau to a first-up maiden victory at Oamaru following three minor placings last term and has pleased with his subsequent progress.
“He’s got a tidy record and he’s a stayer in the making, he’s big and raw and doesn’t hold a lot of condition,” Furlong said.
“He had a really good prep in his three-year-old season without a lot of luck. He always seemed to be wide in the running and not a lot went his way.
“He showed promise, so it was nice to get that win straight off the bat this time in and he’s come through it very well.”
The only niggle is a wide barrier (13), and Furlong is hoping the early breaks go El Chapeau’s way.
“It’s a shame about the draw, especially with the rail being out so far, but if he pops the gates he might be able to slot in somewhere,” she said.
“Leah is riding so well and is super consistent, she gives them every chance and hopefully he gets a good run.”
Tommy Shelby finished sixth on the course in his debut last season and came home well to run third when returning to action over 1200m at Oamaru earlier this month.
“He was good last time out and it was only his second start,” Furlong said.
“He drew wide so we had to ride him quietly from the back and he got home nicely.
“He’s drawn one this time so hopefully he can get a nice trail and he will definitely appreciate the step up to 1400m.”
The stable’s other runner at Riccarton is the capable Goldie’s Chance in the NZ Cup Week Tickets On Sale 1 September Rating 75 Handicap (1200m).
The Iffraaj mare is a two-time winner and will be having her first start for Furlong this weekend with Tina Comignaghi booked for the ride on the five-year-old.
“She’s obviously new but she trialled really well in a smart field so it will be nice to get her up and going on Saturday,” she said.
“Her work has been super and the way she trialled I think she will be competitive, I’d like to think she can be in the first four.”
Goldie’s Chance will be making her first appearance since January and has placed twice before in a fresh state.