Racing: Riccarton clue to Cryptic

Cryptic is on a southern raid in Christchurch. Photo / Race Images

Cryptic has lived up to her name in two appearances this preparation, but trainers Keith and Brendon Hawtin are hoping to solve the puzzle at Riccarton today.

The Te Awamutu father and son combination have sent the filly south for the Listed NZ Bloodstock Canterbury Belle Stakes in a bid to add to her black type record.

"She hasn't done herself any favours really and her last run at Wanganui was a bit disappointing," Brendon Hawtin said.

"Mark Du Plessis said she wanted to go straight ahead instead of coming around the corner so she's been her own worst enemy."

Cryptic had kick-started her current campaign in the Hawke's Bay Guineas at Hastings where she over-raced before peaking on her effort to finish sixth.

"We know she's got the ability and she has trained on really well since Wanganui," Hawtin said.

"Obviously we wouldn't be sending her down to Christchurch if we didn't think she'd run well.

"She's had those couple of runs under her belt and fitness-wise she is spot on."

Cryptic enjoyed a light, but successful, juvenile campaign with a first-up third behind Vinnie Eagle at Ruakaka before she won the Listed Wellesley Stakes at Trentham.

She was turned out after an unplaced performance on a return trip to Wellington for the Group 2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes.

"We'll wait until after Saturday to see what we do with her and whether she stays down there," Hawtin said.

- NZ Racing Desk