Taurus a top Trentham hope

9 April 2015

Taurus has been a grand servant of Evan and JJ Rayner’s stable and he promises to continue his good work at Trentham on Saturday.

A six-time winner and multiple black type placegetter, he is a proven wet track performer and looms as a strong chance to add to his record in the Puccini Cup.

The Wanganui-trained gelding was given a break over Christmas and, following a trial win on his home track, he was unplaced when resuming in the Listed Lightning Handicap.

“We took him to Trentham first-up, but the track was a bit too quick for him and he never really got into the race,” Evan Rayner said.

“He’s come through it well and the rain will suit him. He’s done a great job and won a race every year, but he hasn’t always had much luck.

“A lot of things went wrong for him last year and in two races the gates didn’t open and he was late scratched.”

All Taurus’ wins have come on rain-affected going, conditions which have also seen him post a runner-up finish in a Gr.3 Winter Cup and Listed level placings in the Newmarket Handicap, Opunake Cup, Ag Challenge Stakes and the Wanganui Guineas.

Stablemate Just A Lover is another genuine winning prospect in the Savaria Cup. She has won two of her last three starts and most recently at Wanganui she beat subsequent Hawke’s Bay winner Nickoftyme.

“Some of her form on wet ground hasn’t been that good, but she did work very well here this (Thursday) morning,” Rayner said.

“She’s in the first race with a good draw so that will help her.”

The stable will be hoping to head to Wellington in winning form with Hundyamonth expected to go close in the Tru Test 3YO Maiden at Awapuni on Friday.

“He should be hard to beat and he’s always given me the impression he wants a bit of rain,” Rayner said. – NZ Racing Desk.

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