Classy gelding Sir Albert starred in the Listed Sothys Spring Classic (2000m) at Riccarton on Saturday in another winning double for Terri Rae, but the local trainer was only a nose and a neck away from an even more remarkable day.
Rae recorded back-to-back wins at Ashburton two weeks ago when Spot On Time took out the GD Jones Salute (1200m) and Sir Albert followed suit in the McCrea Painters & Decorators Ashburton Cup (1600m).
The same two horses provided a repeat performance at Riccarton on Saturday, with Sir Albert’s Spring Classic success coming 35 minutes after Spot On Time won the TAB Mile Trial (1400m).
Earlier on Saturday’s card, Rae’s runner Professional Lad was beaten by a nose when second to Origin Of Love in the Gr.3 War Decree Stakes (1600m), while Kindling Spark was runner-up in the Canterbury Landscapes Supplies Rating 75 (1800m) and a neck away from Peachy Keen.
“I think the good barrier made a difference today for Sir Albert, as it did for Spot On Time,” said Rae, who has recorded seven wins from just 26 starters so far this season.
“Our three-year-old (Professional Lad) copped a bad draw and he missed by a nose, so I think that made the difference.”
Rae is forming a strong hand for the Gr.3 TAB Mile (1600m) on the middle day of the New Zealand Cup Carnival on November 12, with Sir Albert’s Spring Classic success earning him second favouritism at $5 behind the northern raider Tardelli ($3.20). Spot On Time has also taken up a prominent position in the market at $12.
Sir Albert was beaten by a nose by Richard Stomper when he resumed over 1600m at Timaru on September 7, but he has made a big impression winning both subsequent starts by a combined margin of four lengths.
The six-year-old was ridden by Leah Hemi on Saturday and took up a perfect position in fourth on the outside of Smooth Operator, cruising around in the slipstream of Riviera Rebel and Master Marko.
Hemi pushed the button in the straight and Sir Albert took command, going clear to win by two lengths from the late-finishing Cognito.
Sir Albert was bred by Waikato Stud, whose principal Mark Chittick remained in the ownership after the son of Savabeel was passed in during the 2020 National Weanling Sale on Gavelhouse Plus. From a 25-start career, Sir Albert has recorded eight wins and seven placings and has earned $265,350.
“He loves the 2000m as well as a mile when he is fresh,” Rae said. “We tried him past 2000m last season in the Dunedin Gold Cup (Listed, 2400m) and that was a mistake. He is not overly big and he just couldn’t cope.
“He is such an honest horse, a real character, and his record is very good. It was a good win today, he loves Riccarton and he beat a very nice field.
“We won’t do much with him now and he’ll go straight to the TAB Mile alongside Spot On Time.” – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk.
