Pacorus’ path heading towards NZ Cup
CONSISTENT stayer Pacorus is back working and on the warpath towards a group three feature in November.
The six-year-old is in the early stages of its build towards the Group Three New Zealand Cup at Riccarton.
Pacorus enjoyed a profitable autumn and winter campaign that netted it victories in the Group Three Rotorua Cup and the Kiwifruit Cup before illness counted the horse out of the Listed Taumarunui Gold Cup.
Trainer Chris Wood said the horse is over its aliment and ready to ramp up the group preparations.
“He had a blood disorder before that, nothing major, and he’s back and well now,” Wood said.
“We’re looking at the New Zealand Cup for him and as to his programme, we’ll just work our way backwards from that.”
A son of Tavistock and a Zabeel mare, Pacorus has built an impressive resume thus far, which includes an excellent strike rate of nine wins from 31 starts.
Stablemate Roc de Bank has also been patiently handled and he will return to racing at Taupo on Friday in the Farmlands Taupo Handicap.
The five-year-old has won five times from 19 appearances, including a Rating 75 success at Te Rapa at its last outing in June.
Roc de Bank was subsequently freshened, and made a good return after winning a trial at Avondale in early September. The trainer still believes the horse has some work to do, but will back the talented runner in.
“He trialled really well, but he is quite big in condition,” Wood said.
“He’s still on the way up and he’s got a big weight, but he’ll give a sight.”
Wood will also be represented at Sunday’s Counties meeting by Wooden Edge in the Lone Star Pukekohe Handicap, in which it will carry 59kg after apprentice Hairi Marzuki’s claim.
“I’m happy with him, but he’s got plenty of weight as well,” Wood said.