Wag Star gets chance to return to winning form

Wag Star (Sweet Lou) had his last win almost ten months ago. But since then he’s been placed in the Superstars Championship, the Uncut Gems and the Methven and Invercargill Cups. He’s also raced in the New Zealand FFA, so tomorrow’s Wairio Cup will be a massive drop back in class for the six year old.

“He’s super at the moment. He’s working really well and seems to be handling it pretty well. He was a bit disappointing at Riverton. He shot through to win the race and just goofed off. We’ve made some gear changes, so hopefully that’ll keep him on the job and he can hit the line a bit better. If he brings his A game and concentrates, he’s certainly got a good winning chance,” his trainer Craig Ferguson said.

Wag Star starts off the twenty metre handicap with Macandrew Aviator and Always Dreaming.

“He was good last start (from the stand). But he has been a bit hit and miss, hopefully we’ve got him sorted. We’ve done a bit of work at home. If he began as well as he did at Riverton he’d make up the handicap pretty quick.”

Ferguson also lines up a handful of other hopefuls.

In Race Three Babe On The Beach (Downbytheseaside) races for the Wyndham based horseman. She’s had no wins but her form has been good.

“She hasn’t had that little bit of luck. She keeps landing in bad spots but overall her races have been good. I think there’s a little bit of gate speed on the inside. Hopefully Wilson (House) can work some magic and find a nice spot somewhere.”

Coming from well back, Beluga (Bettor’s Delight) was impressive winning his last start. He has just six rivals in Race Six.

“He seems like the sort of horse that’s going to get better once he goes out for a spell. His last run was really good. Actually both his runs this season have been good.”

First Light (Sportswriter) is a new addition to the stable having previously been trained by owner Greg Hunter. She gets a nice draw at three in Race Three and will also be handled by Wilson House.

“It’s a little bit of a change in scenery coming here. She was pretty good last start, but she got locked away on the fence. Her work has been good and with the preferential barrier draw and her good gate speed she should be able to end up in a reasonable position.”

Always Ticking (Always B Miki) also lines up in this race and is having her first start for Ferguson. She was previously trained by Brett Gray.

“I’ve been really happy with her. Her workouts have been good and her work at home has been really good. I think she has a few tricks and has let the team down in the past, but if she performs as she has at the workouts and at home she should go a really good race.”

Ferguson rates Always Ticking as the stable’s best bet.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink