Few people get the chance at a trifecta in a Group One race, but that is what Cambridge horseman Ben Foote is vying for in the Gr.1 Rydges Wellington Captain Cook Stakes (1600m) at Trentham on Saturday.
The track holds fond memories for Foote, who scored his first elite-level victory with Travelling Light (NZ) (El Roca) when she won the Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m) last year at the Upper Hutt venue.
While that was her last victory, the daughter of El Roca has gone on to post placings in the Gr.2 Waikato Guineas (2000m), Gr.1 El Cheapo Cars Weight-For-Age Classic (1600m), Gr.1 NZ Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) and Gr.2 Travis Stakes (2000m).
Travelling Light has had two runs this time in for a first-up placing at Te Rapa over 1400m before running seventh in the Gr.2 Dunstan Feeds Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) at the Hamilton track last start.
While initially disappointed with the result, Foote said he was happy with the run after speaking with jockey Jonathan Riddell.
“I was originally disappointed, but after I spoke with Jonny and looking at it (race replay) a few times, she definitely would have been right in the mix with a good run,” Foote said.
“Jonny wasn’t very happy. Everywhere he went he got blocked for a run and by the time she got a run they were gone, so to finish where she did was a good effort.”
Foote has been pleased with Travelling Light’s work ahead of her weekend assignment and he is expecting a strong showing against some quality opposition.
“The track suits and the distance suits, her work has been good, so we are very hopeful of a big run on Saturday,” he said.
While he is confident with his own charge, Foote also has shares in two of her rivals on Saturday – the Lauren Brennan-trained Vigor Winner (Declaration of War) and Jamie Richards-trained Brando (NZ) (Savabeel).
“Luckily I have shares in a couple of other horses,” Foote said.
“They (Brennan and Richards) are very happy with both horses. I am pretty sure they will be going into Saturday thinking the same as me (winning chances).
“I hope Travelling Light wins and those two run second and third.”
While he will have three interests in the race on Saturday, Foote won’t be on course himself, instead heading to Matamata where he has two runners.
Rekindled Express (NZ) (Written Tycoon) will tackle the Gr.3 Mitchell Family Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m), while The Certifier (Sebring) will line-up in the Waikato Stud 1500.
“The Certifier had a quiet trial the other day,” Foote said. “He is going to be in with a chance if he draws well.
“Rekindled Express has got a bit of ability and I am going into the race thinking he is going to be pretty hard to beat.”
