Proserve to chase Stakes success after Ashburton triumph
Proserve’s victory at Ashburton on Monday has elevated the five-year-old gelding’s status, prompting trainers Michael and Matthew Pitman to set their sights on upcoming stakes targets.
This triumph marked Proserve’s sixth win out of 23 starts, and the Pitmans have ambitious plans for the son of Proisir.
According to Michael Pitman, “He’ll run in the Spring Classic (Listed, 2000m) and then go on to the Metropolitan (Listed, 2600m).”
Proserve has also been nominated for the prestigious Group 3 New Zealand Cup (3200m), and his odds shortened from +4000 to +2000 with online bookmakers following his success at Ashburton.
However, Pitman remains cautious about confirming participation in the Cup, stating, “We’ll see about the Cup after he runs in the Metropolitan.”
Describing Proserve, Pitman praised the gelding as a “big strong unit” and emphasized his affection for the horse, saying, “He’s a lovely horse, we’ve looked after him.” The horse’s versatility has been a notable feature, showcasing success on various track conditions, including top-of-the-ground, rain-affected going, and the all-weather track.
Pitman expressed his admiration for Proserve’s adaptability, stating, “I think he’s the best wet track horse I’ve trained, and he’s winning on dry tracks; he’s just a grouse horse.” The Pitmans acquired Proserve for $65,000 from Rich Hill’s New Zealand Bloodstock 2020 Book 1 Yearling Sale draft. Notably, they also trained his ill-fated half-sister First Serve, a seven-time winner up to 1400m, including the Group 3 Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes (1400m).