Platinum Attack back on top at Trentham
Talented sprinter Platinum Attack (Santos) finally got the track conditions and racing luck he deserved when taking out the Listed CareVets NZ Lightning Handicap (1200m) at Trentham.
The speedy five-year-old has a devastating finishing burst when at his best but a succession of wet tracks and/or bad barrier draws had hindered his chances in his most recent racing after he was brilliant when winning the Listed Pegasus Stakes (1000m) at Riccarton during the New Zealand Cup Carnival back in November.
He went into Saturday’s contest off the back of a third placed effort in the Gr.3 King’s Plate (1200m) at Ellerslie where he was again hampered in a chain reaction close to the winning post which was caused by the unfortunate fall of race favourite Alabama Lass (Alabama Express) that day.
Back to the left-handed Trentham surface, which had played well for those who got back and ran home during the day, punters warmed to his chances late in proceedings by sending him out the $3.50 second favourite behind the speedy Poetic Champion (NZ) (Super Seth).
As expected Poetic Champion led early in the piece and was still in front turning for home as rider Bruno Queiroz angled Platinum Attack to the centre of the Trentham straight to launch his finishing bid from a midfield position.
Platinum Attack quickly reeled in the favourite and had more than enough in the tank to hold out a late challenge from topweight Navigator (NZ) (El Roca), with Slipper island (No Nay Never) running home well for third.
Trainer Lisa Latta was relieved that all factors had finally played in favour of her charge.
“This is one of his favourite tracks but he sure hasn’t had things go his way lately,” Latta said.
“He has had wide draws, wet tracks and he just needs to get that bit of cover where he can switch off in the running.
“I just think he is better when ridden a touch patiently and when he gets into the open he can explode.
“We will see how he pulls up but I’d like to see if he could handle 1400m while he is well and very fit, although there is also a sprint we could target in mid-April.”
Bred by Aquis Farm, G1G Racing & Breeding and Fly Horse, Platinum Attack was purchased by owners Neville McAlister and Lincoln Farms Bloodstock for $37,000 at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Weanling Sale and has now won seven of his 22 starts and over $400,000 in prizemoney.
