Dolcetto likely to be have blinkers added for Thorndon Mile
Trainer, part-owner and co-breeder Sylvia Kay is considering a gear addition for the Per Incanto five-year-old, who is bound for the Thorndon Mile (1600m) at Trentham on January 20.
The change has been suggested by expatriate New Zealand jockey Ryan Hurdle, who was home from Adelaide for Christmas and rode Dolcetto to a narrow victory in the Summer Cup (1550m) at Awapuni on Boxing Day.
“It was a bit of a close go and the horse was quite fresh, he gave Ryan a bit of a hard time going out of the birdcage,” Kay said.
“I was very pleased with Ryan, he had watched all the replays of his races.
“He said he could have won by five lengths, but when he got to the front he waited for the other horse so he’s probably better in blinkers.
“The Thorndon is his main aim and I’ll certainly be giving the blinkers a bit of thought.”
Kay has also yet to decide if Dolcetto, who has won eight of his 12 starts, runs again before his summer grand final.
“I’ll have to have a look around or he could have a jump-out,” she said.
“The horse has come through the race very well, he’ll improve quite a bit. The track was a bit shifty and he wasn’t that happy in the ground.”
Kay went close to completing a perfect day at Awapuni when Dolcetto’s stablemate Sylvester finished runner-up in the Rating 75 event over 2100m.
“He ran well and he’s come out if it fine,” Kay said.