You would be forgiven for thinking Tavi Mac (NZ) (Tavistock) had found himself in a Highweight at Awapuni on Saturday.
The son of Tavistock has been lumbered with 64kg in the Courtesy Ford Red Craze Bowl (1400m), but he will get some weight relief with trainer Allan Sharrock utilising apprentice jockey Callum Jones’ three-kilogram claim.
However, he will still carry 5.5kg more than his nearest rival on Saturday, with Tavis Court and Group One winner Shadows Cast also utilising the services of three-kilogram claiming apprentices Faye Lazet and Ashvin Mudhoo respectively.
“It looks like a Highweight, but his rating above the others justifies that,” Sharrock said.
“It makes me pretty pensive, but I have got no option but to give him a 1400m, going up to a mile in either the weight-for-age at Tauranga (Gr.2 Tauranga Stakes, 1600m) or the Captain Cook (Gr.1, 1600m).
“It is very hard to go from 1200m straight to a mile with six weeks so it’s the only race that fits in really.”
Tavi Mac has drawn barrier two and while confident of a good showing after his victory in the Gr.3 Sweynesse Stakes (1215m) at Rotorua earlier this month, Sharrock is still wary of a few rivals due to the weight disparity.
“He will get a good run in the race, but you are always mindful with horses likes Shadows Cast and Tavis Court, they are good horses, and he has got to give them nearly a stone in weight,” Sharrock said.
“He is no good thing, but his work has been terrific.”
Sharrock will also have a two-pronged attack in the Listed Ricoh Feilding Gold Cup (2100m) with Penelope Cruise (NZ) (Ocean Park) and Aricina (NZ) (Redwood).
“Penelope Cruise was disappointing last week and the owners have decided to roll the dice with this race. Unless it rains, she will struggle to be competitive,” Sharrock said.
“The other mare went a nice race at Wellington and is crying out for more ground. Even with her I am looking skyward, I would like a bit of precipitation, so we will see what the next two days bring.”
Sharrock will also be keeping a close eye on the weather with his sole runner at New Plymouth on Friday, Reliable Miss (NZ) (Reliable Man), a doubtful starter in the Stella Artois 1600 if rain persists.
“If it gets to a Heavy11 I think I will withdraw her,” he said. “She is a tidy mare and I don’t really want to chop her up on a Heavy11 first time out this season.”
