Black takes quality three year old to Ascot Park

Bruce Stewart Journalist

Branxholme trainer Alister Black takes smart trialist Cruise Maguire (Always B Miki) to the races at Ascot Park tomorrow.

“I think he’s a pretty smart animal but he’s still very green and he’s got a lot of learning to do,” Black said.

The three year old debuts in the second heat of the Alabar NZ ‘Southern Supremacy Stakes.’

After qualifying at Ascot Park in early January, Cruise Maguire was back at the workouts late last month, winning by twelve lengths and running his last 800 metres in 55.7.

“I didn’t want to go that quick but he was gawking at everything so I had to keep him rolling along. That was only his second run off the place. He had one trial for Brad Williamson who’s done a fantastic job educating him. We’re sort of chasing our tail a little bit for the Supremacy. I would have liked it if we’d had another two or three trials under out belts.”

Black also has three other runners for the Invercargill meeting - Roseanna (Southwind Frank) in Race Eight, The Real Crunch (Captain Crunch) in Race Nine and Captain Amore (Captain Crunch) in Race Ten.

Roseanne was impressive in winning her last start at Winton and Black reckons she’ll benefit from tomorrow’s race.

“Going round in maidens probably wasn’t doing her much good. She needs to learn how to race in a field. From one, (barrier) hopefully she’ll trail or be three deep. Being in that grade they’ll roll along a bit and it won’t give her much time to think about doing dumb stuff. I think she’ll do a pretty good job this horse, but it’s just a matter of getting her mind switched on to racing.”

The Real Crunch has been back at the workouts since he last raced. He’ll need a bit of luck from his widish draw.

“I don’t think he’s drawn inside six in his last seven starts. He’s definitely no star, but with the right sort of run in the right grade he’ll win another race.”

Captain Amore has been in good form recently but faces a strong field, including the likes of First Light and Side Hustle.

Captain Amore (Bruce Stewart Photo)

“It’s a very good field. He was probably one rating point from being in the next grade down which would have been far better. I had to scratch him at his last start because he had a stone bruise. He seems to be good now but he’s going to need a bit of luck. When you draw the front line with him you go forward and don’t hand. If he runs a top four, I’ll be pretty happy.”