Pacorus’ quest for further silverware will be interrupted by a visit to Te Rapa on Saturday.

The Mitchelson, Egmont, Rotorua and Kiwifruit Cup winner will contest the Gallagher 1600 before normal service is resumed.

“He’ll drop back to a mile and that will keep him up to the mark before we head to the Taumarunui Gold Cup in a fortnight’s time,” trainer Chris Wood said.

“In saying that, I’m sure he’s going to be very competitive on Saturday.”

Wood’s only concern with Pacorus is his topweight of 60kg on a 54kg minimum.

“He’s not a big, robust horse and the old saying that weight stops a train is true,” he said. “I’m fortunate my horse has got such a big heart.

“I can’t understand why we can’t have a 58kg topweight on a 52kg minimum. Horses are getting up to 60kg too quickly.”

With regard to the longer-term view, Wood is keen to take Pacorus south for the Gr.3 Christchurch Casino New Zealand Cup at Riccarton.

“I might nominate him for the 2000 metre race at Hawke’s Bay (the Gr.1 Livamol Classic), but I would really like to have a crack at the cup,” he said.

Wood will also be represented on Saturday by another last-start winner in Wooden Edge, who contests the Lisa Chittick Foxbridge Plate Day 19th August 1600.

“He’s done everything right – he’s racing very well and he’s won at Te Rapa before,” he said.
Wooden Edge was successful in Rating 65 company at the corresponding meeting 12 months ago.