El Chico continues Singapore bid

3rd Feb 2012

Michael Pitman is hoping a win by El Chico (NZ) (Stravinsky) in Saturday’s Group Three White Robe Lodge Handicap (1600m) will further advance the pair’s prospects of an invitation to the Group One KrisFlyer International Sprint in Singapore on May 20.

El Chico (NZ)

The leading trainer in New Zealand last season, has until March 7 to nominate the Stravinsky gelding.

''I didn't get there with Coup Align but hopefully, I can with El Chico,'' said Pitman.

The Stravinsky gelding will again carry the heavy weight impost of 59kgs that he put pay to in the Listed Timaru Stakes last start, following his impressive third to Guiseppina (NZ) (Johar) in the Group One J & N Berkett Telegraph Handicap.

Pitman will also be represented by the inform Miss Maximuss (NZ) (Castledale) and course specialist Fellini (NZ) (Daggers Drawn).

Inferno (NZ) (Yamanin Vital) will line up for the race sponsors, White Robe Lodge. The mare by former White Robe Lodge-based stallion Yamanin Vital finished third to The Solitaire (NZ) (O’Reilly) in the Gore Cup (2000m) last start following a second to Fellini (NZ) in the Clare Memorial Cup (2000m) at Omakau.

It was expected that the 2011 CJC Canterbury Gold Cup (2000m) winner would contest the Dunedin Cup (2400m) rather than the 1600m White Robe.

"The stake for the White Robe is enticing and she ran second in the race last year so it is appealing to freshen her for that," Brian Anderton her co-trainer and owner, said.

Inferno (NZ) finished second to Hold It Harvey (King Cugat) by half a length in this race last year.

Early favouritism for the feature race rests with Northern visitor Alegrio (NZ) (Captain Rio) and Final Touch (NZ) (Kashani) who put together two meritorious efforts at Trentham in her last two efforts.

To view the field for this race please click here.