Coup Align on track for $1m Singapore sprint

COUP ALIGN'S Eclipse Stakes demolition at Wingatui yesterday raised the hopes of trainer Michael Pitman of an invitation to Singapore for the $1 million KrisFlyer Sprint.

"I just want to show the world what a good horse he is," Pitman said after Coup Align ran his rivals ragged, speeding over the 1200m in 1:10.20 to win by 1 1/2 lengths.

The KrisFlyer is on May 16 and Coup Align has staked a claim for an invitation after other Listed race wins in the Pegasus Stakes and Stewards Handicap, at Riccarton, in November.

"A Singapore trip would be great for his owner, Ray Coupland, who has done so much for racing in the South Island," Pitman said.

Coupland races Coup Align with his partner, Jill Walls. The gelding, who won his maiden at Wingatui 16 months ago, has now won 10 of his 15 starts.

ZABENE BOOSTED his stocks for the Auckland Cup with a dour staying performance to win the $45,000 Dunedin Gold Cup.

The Zabeel gelding, in the stable of leading trainer Mark Walker, proved his staying ability in the spring with seconds to My Scotsgrey in the Gold Cup and NZ Cup at Riccarton.

Yesterday he was pushed three wide at the 800m, but stuck to his guns and beat Biman and Turn The Page.

"I just let him relax when he got planted three wide and he did the rest," said rider Jason Collett.

HOLD IT Harvey recorded an outstanding performance to win the $70,000 White Robe Lodge Stakes.

The five-year-old, trained at Riccarton by Terri Rae for her partner, Matt Shepherd, carried topweight of 58.5kg and came from the rear on the turn.

"I really had no option but to ease back from a wide draw," said rider Jamie Bullard. "It was a terrific performance."

Hold It Harvey has now won 10 races and over $300,000 in stakes.

RICCARTON TRAINER Shane Kennedy had a change of luck when Champagne Ranson prevailed in a close finish to the $45,000 Western Pacific Insurance Dunedin Guineas.

"Up till now, the season has been a bit slow," Kennedy said.

Kennedy shares ownership of Champagne Ransom with Greg Tomlinson and Louis Vieceli, both of Christchurch.

The son of Red Ransom and Ishinca was a $60,000 buy at the Melbourne premier yearling sale.

- © Fairfax NZ News