Smug to tackle postponed Pakuranga Hunt Cup

Jumps trainers have had a frustrating run of postponements of their feature meetings this year, with the latest being Te Aroha’s Pakuranga Hunt meeting last Saturday, which was postponed to Thursday due to the heavy rain forecast for last weekend.

One trainer that was pleased with the delay was Cambridge trainer Chris Wood, who will line-up Smug in The Valley Toyota Pakuranga Hunt Cup (4300m).

“It wasn’t very nice weather, and they did the right thing and they have given everybody the chance to be there, and they let us know early, so you can make plans around that,” Wood said.

Te Aroha’s track was rated a Heavy9 on Wednesday morning, and Wood is hoping the conditions aren’t too testing for his charge.

“He is super, I am just hoping the track is not too Heavy,” he said.

Smug takes winning form into the meeting, having won an open steeplechase over 4000m at Woodville last month, and Wood has been pleased with his progress.

“He jumped well and did everything right last start,” Wood said. “He is nice and bright and has come through that run well, so I am looking forward to tomorrow.”

Looking ahead to the weekend, Wood will have just the one runner at Ellerslie - Emmy Dazzler in the Eagle Technology 1600.

“She didn’t have much luck the other day (when fourth over 1550m on the Cambridge synthetic), she got carted back a bit across the top and ran home alright,” he said. “She is six years old and has got to start shaping up, otherwise she will be heading to the broodmare paddock.”

Meanwhile, Wood said he was pleased with the trials of Son of Sun, Sassy Lass and Boxmoss at Cambridge on Tuesday.

“They trialled yesterday and they all went really well,” Wood said. “I am looking forward to spring racing over ground with those three. We will try and track down a few cups with a bit of luck – Counties Cup (Gr.3, 2100m), Waikato Cup (Gr.3, 2400m) and then on to Auckland (Gr.2, 3200m).”