Racing: Stayer back on cups' trail while Ali Baba tipped today

Mister Impatience (inside) in the Wellington Cup. Photo / Racing Images

Wellington Cup winner Mister Impatience is making good progress after an injury break.

The Michael Moroney and Pam Gerard-trained seven-year-old's preparation took in a run at the recent Te Teko trials and while he tailed the field home over 1000 metres, his connections weren't disappointed.

"It was far too short for him," Ballymore Stables' racing manager Nick Fairweather said. "He's come back extremely well and he's carrying a lot of condition."

Mister Impatience came to Matamata from Moroney's Flemington stable and in his fifth New Zealand appearance he won last season's Gr.3 Wellington Cup. Following an unplaced run in the Gr.1 Auckland Cup, he underwent surgery.

"His rehab went well after he had a bone chip removed from his fetlock," Fairweather said. "If he comes up to anywhere near his best form then he could have a go at a few of the cups and then maybe head back to Australia.

"He's nominated for the City of Auckland Cup and the Auckland Cup. He's also in the Wellington Cup, but that could come up a touch too soon for him."

Meanwhile, there is stable confidence in the prospects of Ali Baba in the Fasttrack Insurance 1400 at Pukekohe Park today. "He's in an awkward spot in the ratings, but this is a nice race for him," Fairweather said. "He's up in class, but the 54 kilos will be a massive help.

"We're expecting quite a bold performance and the big Pukekohe track will suit him."

- NZ Racing Desk