Watch Platinum Spirit power home at Otaki - his Wellington Cup hopes depend on it
By Barry Lichter • 3 January 2021
Platinum Spirit needs to win the last race at Otaki on Monday if he is to have any chance of making the field for the $250,000 Wellington Cup.
Lisa Latta’s promising stayer is the lowest rated of the 36 horses nominated for the 3200 metre feature on January 30 but will have two chances to elevate his claim.
Monday’s rating 65 event is the first, followed by a rating 74 2200 metre event at Trentham on Telegraph day, January 16.
“He’s much better than a rating 65 galloper and I expect him to be hard to beat on Monday,” Latta said.
“His last run was great and he has come on from it really well.”
Platinum Spirit needs rating points to make the Wellington Cup field. PHOTO: Peter Rubery/Race Images.Platinum Spirit turned in an eye-catching run last time at Awapuni on December 19, coming from the tail of the field to run third to Sassenach, who gave jockey Chris Johnson the record number of New Zealand wins.
It was the run of a real stayer, as he was angled straight across to the rail at the start by rider Ryan Elliot, and did not start his run until 600 metres from home.
Elliot picked a path through the field in the straight and was doing his best on the line, just half a length and a neck from the winner.
Latta said the run held even more merit as “they were winning up on the speed that day.”
Latta expects to see the best of Platinum Spirit at Otaki, when he will be having the fourth run of his preparation and should get conditions to suit.
“We had some rain overnight and the track was a dead 5 this morning so it will have the fire out of it, which is perfect for him.”
Should Platinum Spirit miss the cut for the cup, Latta says there are plenty of options for him including the Summer Cup, a rating 82 2400 metre race he ran third in last year, signalling his staying potential.
Latta is also predicting another good run from Platinum Bordeaux in the sixth race, despite her very wide draw.
“She has drawn 19 but they are only running 14 so she will come in with the ballots and, because she gets back in the running, I don’t think this will be too much of a concern.
“She has trained on well and, with luck in the running, I expect her to be right in this.”
The Per Incanto mare was a last start third on the course over 1600 metres, when the going was a good 3, and would enjoy the sting out of the track.
Ashvin Goindasamy takes the ride, claiming down to 55.5kg.
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Lisa’s comments
Saturday at Trentham
Race 2: Platinum Tyche
1.05pm
“This is a big drop-back in class for her as her last two races have been very strong rating 75s. The track at Otaki was particularly wet and she just didn’t handle it. She has come through that run in fantastic order and is very bright and well. She shouldn’t be too far off the leaders from the good draw and I expect her to bounce back to form providing we get a decent track.”
Race 8: Platinum Attack
4.43pm
“He drew the outside barrier in this race last year and has been dealt the same card again. He couldn’t be looking any better though and his work has been phenomenal. He is right where he needs to be to win a race like this. We are going to need some luck from the draw but Craig Grylls knows him well now and I thought that he is certainly one of the better horses in the race. If he gets clear air at the right time then he will finish with a big run.”