Expect dramatic improvement from Father Lenihan in better footing at Wanganui

Father Lenihan has the worst form in the race but trainer Lisa Latta rates him a good upset chance in the seventh at Wanganui on Thursday.

With the form line 70060 Father Lenihan shouldn’t have too much support in a much stronger rating 82 field than you’d expect at a midweek Wanganui meeting.

But the horse will really appreciate the improving track conditions and with only 54kg on his back, the lightest of his career, rider Robbie Hannam will be sure to punch him forward from his wide gate.

It’s largely Hannam’s recent reports on Father Lenihan’s track gallops which have given Latta confidence he can turn his poor form around.

“He strikes a strong field but I have seen good improvement in him in recent weeks. Robbie has been galloping him and has been very happy with his work.”

Latta also believes Father Lenihan will strike conditions he likes for the first time this preparation.

Since he won at Awapuni on a good 3 track in January, Father Lenihan has raced five times, four on heavy tracks and once in slow footing.

The O’Reilly five-year-old was completely at sea in his last two starts at Riccarton but with the Wanganui footing a slow 8 today and fine weather forecast, it should improve even further.

“His mum liked wet tracks but when I think about it they were wet summery tracks. He definitely likes dead to slow ground so this should be his time of the year.

“I like him tomorrow. Robbie will put him in the race and I think we’ll see him back in form.”