Cox first Cup

When Pinseeker (Downbytheseaside) takes his place in Tuesday’s IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup, it will be the first time trainer Jonny Cox has had a runner in the race and the first time the Cox family have had their name on the Cup racebook page.

“It’s a very exciting time and a lot of people are behind us. Hopefully we can do them proud,” Cox said.

Neither Cox’s grandfather Harry who trained 335 winners or his father John who won 102 races, had a runner in the iconic feature.

“He (Harry) was more trotters back in the day and he was lucky enough to win an Inter Dominion (Poupette 1965). Dad was the same with mainly trotters and he won a Rowe Cup (David Moss 1993). To have a pacer at this level is pretty cool.”

This campaign Pinseeker has had three leadup races, running second to Republican Party in early October, an unlucky eleventh in the Canterbury Classic and a good fourth in the Ashburton Flying Stakes.

“He hasn’t been quick away but he’s been safe. He was really good in the Canterbury Classic and he was 95% good at Ashburton sitting in the one one. As long as I don’t have to chase him early or hustle him, I think he can relax. That’s going to be the telling point. If he over races he won’t be amongst it, but if he can relax and travel nicely I’d like to think he’ll be thereabouts.”

Cox has driven in four New Zealand Cups – Nandola in 2019 and 2020, Piccadilly Princess in 2017 and Brilliant Strike in 2015.

“I’ve been lucky enough to have a few drives. They weren’t fancied runners. Just to be part of the day and big race is why you become a driver. It’s the most prestigious race in New Zealand. Everyone wants to be a part of it.”

Winning a big race over Cup Week isn’t new to Cox. He co-trained and drove Jaccka Justy to win the 2014 Dominion Handicap.

“He wasn’t a fancied runner (7/7 in the betting). We got the perfect run. It was about enjoying the moment really.”

Pinseeker is owned by Iain Wilson, Peter Brinsdon, Jason Wood, Bernie McKone ONZM, Phil Stephens, Logan Boersma and Gary May.

And when you dig deep, Pinseeker’s family has produced a New Zealand Cup winner. His fifth dam Regina Dillion left Garry Dillion who won the 1967 New Zealand Cup by three lengths when twelfth favourite.

Pinseeker will come into barrier three tomorrow.

“I don’t think the draw will worry him. It’s closer to the fence for us.”

He’s had twenty standing starts for five wins and eight minor placings.

“In the first couple of years I’ve tried to keep him to the standing starts. He had a couple of mobiles, then the Aussie trip. Most of his starts have been from the stand so hopefully it pays off for us on Tuesday.”

Pinseeker with 31 starts, is the third least experienced runner in the Cup this year. Only Better Knuckle Up (24) and Rakero Rocket (28) have fewer starts. The three most tried runners are American Me (106), Leap To Fame (73) and Republican Party (59).

The five year old gelding had his last serious hit out on Saturday morning.

“He’ll just have a couple of jog days. Hopefully we’ve done enough.”

For complete race entries, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink