Gordon looking to double up
Betting against Will Gordon posting another jumping double aboard the stablemates It’s A Wonder and Justa Charlie at Te Rapa might be a risky business.
The Cambridge-based rider was successful with the Harvey Wilson-trained pair on the track a fortnight ago and they return for sterner tests on Saturday, but improved from their last runs.
“They are good rides and hopefully we can all do the same again,” Gordon said.
It’s A Wonder will front up in the Porritt Sand Waikato Hurdles (3200m) while Justa Charlie will tackle the Signature Homes Waikato Steeplechase (3900m).
“There’s improvement in It’s A Wonder and the slight step up in trip will be a help, he should run very well again” Gordon said.
“There looks like there will be a bit of pace in the race and he can be a bit handier. He liked the track the other day and if it gets a bit slower it won’t worry him, he’s a tough horse.”
Justa Charlie owns a perfect record over the bigger fences with his recent Te Rapa success following victory at Te Aroha last preparation.
“He wouldn’t want it too soft, a Dead 6 would be ideal for him,” Gordon said.
“It’s a slightly stronger race and only his third start (in a steeplechase), but there’s some improvement in him as well.”
Gordon also has a good chance of starting his day on a top note with the Kevin Myers-trained Napoleon in the Garrard’s Horse and Hound Hurdles (2800m).
They finished runner-up last time out at Wanganui in the Shinko King gelding’s jumping debut.
“I liked him the first time I sat on him, it was a bit of a muddling run race and didn’t suit him, but he ran home really well,” Gordon said.
“He’ll learn a lot and running second to Wise Men Say isn’t the worst form.”