Wow! Watch this trial and you’ll see why we’re rapt to see Platinum Attack back at Te Rapa

An improving forecast will play into the hands of exciting galloper Platinum Attack who starts a new campaign at Te Rapa on Saturday.

Boasting a picket fence form line, Platinum Attack has opened a $5 favourite for the eighth race but trainer Lisa Latta says the state of the track will dictate the outcome.

After drying overnight, the going has been upgraded from a heavy 8 to a soft 7 and, while Metservice is predicting the odd shower, possibly heavy and thundery this afternoon, it is expect to only improve by start time of 4.15pm.

“I am cautious that he could be vulnerable on an off track but he came through his trial win at Foxton in fantastic order and he keeps improving in the right direction with every piece of work.”

Platinum Attack, who strung together four wins on end in his first preparation on good 4 and soft 5 tracks, hasn’t raced for six months but showed he had lost none of his ability when romping home at the Foxton trials 10 days ago.

Jonathan Riddell brings back Platinum Attack after his fourth win on end at Trentham. PHOTO: Peter Rubery/Race Images.So impressive was the four-year-old, commentator Justin Evans declared: “Have a look at Platinum Attack. He’s bounded up very strongly, he’s raced up and hit the lead. This is a good trial from a smart horse.”

Immediately after the 1000 metre heat, run in soft 7 conditions, rider Jonathan Riddell noted just how much better the horse felt than his first trial in heavy going two weeks earlier.

While Platinum Attack is giving away experience, having raced only six times, and faces a big field for the first time from a wide draw, Latta is still expecting a good run.

“I am very happy with him. Jonathan will look to go back and get some cover from the draw, as we don’t want to be caught wide, but you’d still like to see him competitive.

“And he’s only going to improve with this run under his belt.”

By former fast juvenile Santos, a son of star stallion I Am Invincible, Platinum Attack has already won $97,435 for Lincoln Farms’ owners John and Lynne Street and Neville McAlister.

And on the strength of his performances so far, when still very green, he looks poised for a good innings.

In the third of his four wins last time in, Platinum Attack reeled off 1000 metres at Trentham in a slick 55.27, just six one-hundredths of a second outside the track record set by Diamond Like.