Classy Matamata jumps jockey Craig Thornton is poised to mark his return to Trentham with a winning double on up-and-comers Impressive King and Somerset Beau today.
Thornton can't remember when he last rode on the turf, but he suspects it was in the early '90s before he went to the United States.
Chaser Impressive King and hurdler Somerset Beau are two of the more promising horses he has ridden since returning home this year and they will be hard to beat in their respective novice series races.
Both are only five-year-olds and Thornton believes they have huge futures, particularly the Ken and Ann Browne-trained Impressive King.
"He could be a superstar next season," Thornton said.
Impressive King recorded his only win over fences in the novice chase at Ellerslie on June 4. He had run sixth and third in his only previous steeplechase starts.
He faces stiff opposition in the $20,000 Morgan Furniture Steeplechase (4000m). Bodle is unbeaten over the bigger fences, Wickerman has been a model of consistency in stronger fields and the Kevin Myers-trained Roi De Lyn is debuting over the steeples after a 12-length win over the hurdles at Wanganui eight days ago.
Thornton rode Roi De Lyn to victory on that occasion and doesn't anticipate the bigger fences being an issue.
Ann Browne has resisted the temptation to back up Impressive King in the $45,000 Wellington Steeplechase (5500m) next Saturday, saying he had time on his side.
Somerset Beau will vie for favouritism in the $20,000 Morgan Furniture Hurdles (2900m) with Otaki mare Harbour Lights.
Somerset Beau won at Ellerslie on June 4, beating the Browne-trained Westport in a driving finish.
It was only Somerset Beau's second hurdle start after a placed effort last season. Avondale trainer Davina Waddell has longterm plans to take the horse and stablemate Lord Penn to Australia next season.
"There is a bit of toughness about him. When the chips are down he digs in, which is a nice attribute in a horse," Thornton said.
Harbour Lights, to be ridden by Hadley Searle, has impressed in her two brush hurdle wins.
- NZPA
Racing: Thornton the man to follow
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.