Busy Breslin set for cross-country travels

Ringo
Ringo will keep trainer Mike Breslin busy this week. Pic: NZ Desk

AWAPUNI trainer Mike Breslin will be going in all directions over the next few days after changing plans for his highly-touted galloper Ringo.

Breslin will firstly take the in-form maiden Son Of Surf at Waverley on Thursday before heading to Te Rapa the following day with Ringo for the open sprint prior trekking to Hastings on the Saturday to run Brad Thorn and Stephenstihls.

Breslin was originally going to start Ringo on Saturday in the Group Three Red Badge Spring Sprint, but switched plans on Wednesday morning after assessing the possible track conditions at both Te Rapa and Hastings.

“He hasn’t really been hitting out as well as I want in his work and I’m just worried the track at Hastings might be too good for him,” Breslin said.

“It’s a slow track at Te Rapa and that should suit him better. Opie Bosson will ride him and he’s done well on him before.”

Bosson’s last ride on Ringo yielded close second to Addictive Habit in the 2015 Group Two Coupland’s Bakeries Mile and his other ride on the Fastnet Rock eight-year-old was a winning one, at Te Rapa four years ago.

Ringo has been runner-up in the last two Group Two Coupland’s Bakeries Mile, last year splitting Battle Time and Nashville, and he also ran in the 2013 contest won by Scapolo, and the horse is again an entry for this year’s 1600-metre feature, on November 15.

Despite the nomination Breslin said the horse will need to show significant improvement if he is to make the trek.

“He’s lost a bit of his dash in trackwork. He’s bright and well in himself, but I want to see him do a bit more.”

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Ringo has been off the winner’s list since the Group Three Red Badge Sprint 12 months ago, but between times it has picked up five placings in eight starts, including a third to Aide Memoire in last December’s Group One Captain Cook Stakes at Trentham and second in the Coupland’s Bakeries Mile.

The horse resumed with a 10th in the Group One Tarzino Trophy at Hastings early last month.

“He made up reasonable ground (in the Tarzino Trophy) and the track was a bit shifty for him,” Breslin said.

“I just want to wait and see how he goes this time then assess what level to aim at. He’s a big horse with a bit of wear and tear on his joints. I’ve popped him over a few ponies (pony fences) to vary his work.”

Breslin admits he is going into the Hastings meeting on Saturday more hopeful than confident with his two charges, Brad Thorn and Stephenstihls.

“It’s the first over ground this time in for Brad Thorn and though he’ll prefer the better ground, he’ll improve with it,” he said.

“As for Stephenstihls, it’s five weeks between runs. I’ve brought him back in distance (from 1600m) and he’ll be better in his next one.”

Son Of Surf rates a good chance for Breslin in the opening event at Waverley after three placings, including a last-start second to Smokin’ Oak, in four appearances.

“He’s from Surf Patrol, a mare I trained. She won seven races and she was a pony like this one,” Breslin said.

“He went a solid race last time and is starting to show a bit of her fight.”

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