John Wheeler will mix flat and jumping assignments with his in-form stable this weekend, including the return of progressive galloper Lord Donovan at Hastings on Saturday.
The son of Lord caught plenty of attention during New Zealand Cup Week when winning a race at each of the three meetings, and continued to perform in premier Rating 75 company through the remainder of the season.
Returning for a new campaign towards the Riccarton carnival, where he currently holds a nomination for the Gr.3 TAB Mile (1600m), Lord Donovan will contest the NZB Ready To Run Trainers Series Premier (1200m).
“I’m pretty happy with him, he’s having his first run this season on Saturday and I haven’t been disappointed with him this time in,” Wheeler said.
“Spring seems to be his favourite time of the year, so that’s a positive.
“I would think he’ll be heading to (New Zealand) Cup Week, I don’t know if I’ll be racing three times this year, but he’ll be there.”
Wheeler’s apprentice jockey Elle Sole will claim three-kilograms off the six-year-old, with the combination in strong form having collected a pair of victories last Saturday, including with Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) hopeful Tranzed.
“He went very well in the Derby (Gr.1, 2400m) last year after missing the kick by about four lengths, he ended up just beyond the placegetters,” Wheeler said.
“He’s come back super this year and I think he’ll keep improving as he matures. My long-term goal for him would be the New Zealand Cup (Gr.3, 3200m).”
Back at Hastings, Wheeler will also be represented by last-start winner Jetalal in the Betta Inspect It Premier (1300m).
The Ocean Emperor mare dashed through the tough conditions at New Plymouth to score over 990m a fortnight ago, with a further step-up in distance in her future.
“It was a terribly wet track at New Plymouth and she was tailed off early, but got home over the top of them. It was a terrific run to be fair, but it’s a bit hit or miss on a good track, so I’m not sure,” Wheeler said.
“She’s always shown me a lot in her work, but I think the race may be a bit short for her, she’s destined to be a staying horse.
“She will go up to a mile from here.”
At Woodville on Sunday, Zeefa Zed will be looking to close the jumping season on a winning note in the Tom Castles – Celebrating 80 Years (3000m), after placing in the top four in each of his eight starts this season, including finishing runner-up to Justice at Te Rapa.
“I thought it was a pretty good run really there, he’s quite a difficult horse to ride and Emily (Farr, jockey) rode him well,” Wheeler said.
“He tends to want to do his own thing, but I’d expect him to be thereabouts, and he’ll be hard to knock.”
Joining the Zed gelding in the maiden contest will be Sir Maverick, who Wheeler indicated is set for a career over the bigger fences in time.
“He was disappointing last start and I haven’t really got an answer for that, but his first couple of runs were outstanding,” he said.
“I’m pretty happy with him, but we may have to leave him until steeplechasing next year, he’s a big horse with a lot in front of him I think.”
Completing the Taranaki horseman’s contingent is Red Ned, who ran a bold race for Farr at the venue last start, making him a key hope in the Merrylees Hotel (3000m).
“He’s going super, he jumps well and hasn’t quite turned four yet so he’s just a baby,” Wheeler said.
“He’s learning his craft and will be a very good horse next year, particularly on wet tracks.”