3 minute read

The Bouncer is a past winner at New Plymouth and he appeals as a strong local hope to do Taranaki at the Pukekura Raceway on Saturday.

The lightly-raced galloper has done extra well since two excellent performances during the Grand National carnival at Riccarton and trainer Bryce Revell is expecting another bold showing in the ITM/New Plymouth Building Supplies Interprovincial.

“He’s come through Christchurch super and I’m really happy with him,” he said.

The Bouncer finished runner-up to Kuzanov, who won again later in the meeting, on the opening day of the carnival and he went one better seven days later with an emphatic six length thumping of his Rating 75 rivals.

The six-year-old was ridden on both occasions by Mark Du Plessis, who will again head south to continue his association with the gelding on Saturday.

Raced by his Waitotara-based breeder Jan Wilson, The Bouncer was a late starter but he has since made quick progress with three wins and nine placings from his 17 appearances.

“He didn’t turn up until he was three and he’s a really good horse,” Revell said, adding that the son of His Royal Highness’ immediate future was weather dependant with his fondness for rain-affected going.

The $50,000 stake of Saturday’s race has attracted a strong northern contingent with The Shackler, Sir Elmo and Biologist all boasting last-start successes to their credit.

Joey Jonz and Mistaar are other in-form visitors while the best-performed runner in the field is undoubtedly Swiper The Fox.

The Leo Molloy-trained five-year-old beat Waterford in the Listed Champagne Stakes as a two-year-old and trained on for black type placings at three in the Gr.2 Great Northern Guineas and the Listed Wanganui Guineas.

Swiper The Fox accounted for Magic Belle in an open sprint last season and at his most recent appearance he finished runner-up in the top grade behind John Gray at Pukekohe.