Richardson trio to take Cup

Matamata conditioner Graham Richardson looks destined for glory in Saturday’s Group Two Pacific Jewellers Wellington Cup (2400m) at Trentham.

Richardson will saddle hot favourite Green Supreme (Oasis Dream) in addition to progressive stayers Single Minded (NZ) (Bachelor Duke) and Top Spot (NZ) (High Chaparral) for the Wellington feature.

Green Supreme

Green Supreme has been the hype horse of the summer, ascending through the grades with ease culminating with victory in the Dunstan Feeds Championship Final at Ellerslie.

Single Minded (NZ) and Top Spot (NZ) displayed their stamina skills in finishing first and third respectively in the Group Two Waiwera Water City of Auckland Cup (2400m) on New Year’s Day.

“They are all in with good chances,” Richardson said. “They could all be in the money.”

Rider of the moment James McDonald will take the ride on Green Supreme, a week after taking out the Group One Telegraph Handicap aboard Guiseppina (NZ) (Johar).

Green Supreme is nominated for the Group One Auckland Cup at Ellerslie on March 7 but a decision on a start will not be made until after the Wellington Cup.

“If he runs it out strongly we might go on or else I may turn him out and target the spring carnival in Melbourne. Either way I am keen to take him to Melbourne.”

Single Minded (NZ) has won four of his past five starts, with his only defeat coming second up. The Bachelor Duke gelding suffered a hairline fracture of his cannon bone after recording his first win and had nine months off the scene.

“He’s as tough as they come. He knows how to go through the pain barrier.”

Auckland Cup qualifier Top Spot (NZ) rounds out the trio and Richardson believes that her generous price with the TAB is not an accurate indication of her likely performance.

“She’s already qualified for the Auckland Cup and although the two miles of that will suit better than this race, she’s capable of being right in it,” Richardson said. “Masa Tanaka will take the ride and he knows her well. And rain will certainly help her chances.”

The trio will face stiff competition, with the Kevin Myers-trained Crocodile Canyon (NZ) (Jahafil) and Six O’Clock News (NZ) (Zabeel) likely to be the fiercest after strong wins in their respective lead up races.