Racing: Stable has in form Riccarton runners

Talented colt Sensei contests the 2000 Guineas today. Photo / Race Images

Michael and Matthew Pitman's stable is running hot ahead of the opening day of the New Zealand Cup carnival.

The Riccarton trainers annually plan for multiple representation through the Christchurch Casino-sponsored festival and today they have in-form runners in two of the three feature events.

"I've never won so many races prior to the Cup meeting in my career - six or seven is usually good, but we've won 15 races already," Michael Pitman said. "We're hoping our luck continues."

The stable's Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) chances rest with the talented colt Sensei.

He has won two of his three starts this preparation with a runner-up finish behind Prom Queen in the Gr.3 Barneswood Farm Stakes (1400m) between victories. At his most recent appearance, Sensei coasted to a 1400m success at Motukarara last Sunday.

"It wasn't a hard run for him and we can back our horses up as good as most so we're not worried," Pitman said. "At this stage the mile is right at the end of his range, but he has been nice and settled in his trials and in his races.

"He's got a huge amount of speed and can run great sectionals."

Pitman tipped Kinagat as their top hope of claiming the Pegasus Stakes Handicap (1000m).

"He's our best chance and he should have won his last start, he was an absolute certainty beaten," he said. "He was going for a gap on the inside that closed and he went to the line under a hold."

Kinagat will be opposed by stablemates Enzo's Lad and Mr Typhon.

"Enzo's Lad has been aimed at this all the way through and he's got a great record at Riccarton over 1000m," Pitman said. "Mr Typhon is a fast horse as well and deserves his chance."

● Trevor and Martin Cruz's patience with Elusive Treasure is being rewarded.

The Cambridge-based brothers have produced the five-year-old to win his last two starts and the gelding will attempt to complete a hat-trick when he runs in today's Distinction Hamilton Hotel 1200m at Te Rapa.

"He's needed time, as a yearling he was 16.1 hands - he's massive and a lot of people were put off by his sheer size, but I liked him," Trevor Cruz said. "I think he's quite exciting this guy and he's versatile as far as tracks go."

- NZ Racing Desk