North And South spring tilt at black type
Connections of veteran heavy track campaigner North And South are hoping the skies open as predicted for the Group 3 1400 metre Taranaki Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes at Hawera on Saturday worth $80,000.
“She is a proven heavy tracker. We thought it would be a wet spring so we kept her up with this race in mind, and we’ve been proven right. At this stage the track is a slow 9 with more rain predicted so that should suit very well,” says Racing Manager Albert Bosma.
“In July she was placed in the listed Opunake Cup over the same distance and earned herself some black type. But we’d like some more.”
Says trainer Lisa Latta “1400 metres is probably her best distance and she goes well fresh up so we have deliberately not raced her for a month. She had a strong gallop on the course proper at Awapuni on Saturday and had her final bit of fast work this morning. She’s ready.”
North and South will be reunited with regular rider Robbie Hannam after a brief hiatus and as a team they have won eight races together. Says Robbie, “She can be a right madam but I know most of her quirks now and although she isn’t easy, I do have a soft spot for her. I would be very happy to make it nine wins this weekend.”