Michael Pitman following tip from the saddle

Flying Iblis

Michael Pitman is following the advice of national jockeys’ premiership front-runner Chris Johnson after hoop advised the trainer to keep persisting with Flying Ibis.

The Riccarton horseman, who operates a successful training partnership with son Matthew now plans to send the former North Island galloper into the Group Three Winter Cup.

Pitman said Johnson’s advice led to the decision to keep the talented runner’s preparation going.

“I was thinking about easing up on the horse but Chris, who has been riding him, said he would be an ideal Cup type and he has won over a mile at Riccarton before as well,” Pitman said.

A winner in Hong Kong and also for Cambridge trainer Tony Pike before continuing his travels, Flying Ibis has added a further four victories to his record since transferring south.

Pitman is convinced that the solid form will continue.

“He’s done a really good job since we’ve had him so we’ll keep going, there’s some nice races for him between now and the Cup,” the trainer said.

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Flying Ibis could also be joined in the Cup by stable companion Elfee, who was a last-start fifth at Riccarton after an interrupted run.

Pitman is also happy that the stablemate can make an impact in the group three race.

“She’s another one who has done a good job since coming to us.

“She’s fitted in very well down here and the better she draws, the better she goes as she likes to tuck in behind them.”

A five-year-old daughter of Iffraaj, Elfee won twice from the Byerley Park stable of Peter and Dawn Williams before she joined the Pitman operation earlier this year.

She has subsequently doubled her winning tally and has returned a cheque in all seven of her southern appearances.

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