El Chico steps back in class

The Michael Pitman-trained El Chico (NZ) (Stravinsky) will step down to Listed company, following his strong third in the Group One Telegraph Handicap last weekend, when he lines up in the Speight’s Timaru Stakes (1400m) at Riccarton.

El Chico (NZ)

The top weight, carrying 59kgs, of the field El Chico (NZ) will be looking to make it back-to-back Timaru Stakes for his trainer following the success of Draconic (Umatilla) last year.

Pitman will also saddle up So Elusive (NZ) (Elusive City) who was slow away and lost ground in the Telegraph finishing 11^th.  The five-year-old mare is stepping up to 1400 metres for the first time since returning to New Zealand, from Australia, in May last year. 

Imani (NZ) (Eltawaasul) who also lined up in the Telegraph but was slow away will also line up for Terri Rae who trained Hold It Harvey (King Cugat) to win this race in 2009 and 2010. 

To view the field for this race, please click here.