Successful Isla Bank thoroughbred trainer Kerry King, who has gained 10 wins and 17 placings this season, will campaign several runners at Waimate and Ashburton over the next fortnight.

King, who gained a personal best with 22 wins two seasons ago, and her partner Ian Taplin have been quiet and regular achievers in the owning and training field.

King enjoyed a Red Letter day when she prepared the winners of three races on Great Western day at Riverton.

King's impressive Wairio Cup winner, Acquit, who also raced well at Riverton last month, and Smart Halo, a maiden winner at Timaru, will probably resume at Ashburton. Acquit has won seven races and its ability has not been exhausted yet.

"If Smart Halo performs well over the next fortnight, it will probably carry on to Riccarton leading up to the Grand National carnival,'' King said.

King has several others under orders for Waimate, Ashburton and other meetings leading up to Grand National racing.

Tappy Lee, a winner at Gore last month and a solid finishing fourth at Riccarton last week, should progress further before season's end.

"She is a lovely filly who pleased me with her first trip away from home when she ran a huge fourth after missing the kick at Riccarton,'' King enthused.

Tuatap, placed in its last three starts at Riverton, Gore and Wingatui is on the verge of winning form and will be better suited by 1200 metres than 1400 when fourth at its last appearance at Wingatui.

Riverton specialist Citycenta who gained two wins and a second at the seaside course, is heading north, as is Luv da Bling, a distinctly promising 3-year-old filly who has gained a win and two placings in the North Island and is being prepared to debut for King.

Gaunus, a winner in three starts, and Riverton winner Copper Tap, also placed twice in 10 starts, are under orders for Ashburton. Copper Tap began slowly at Timaru but finished solidly for fourth.

The change to winter conditions has not inconvenienced King's training activities with the Waimatuku beach and drier Winton course providing good options.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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