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Big task ahead for Spencer in Ellerslie debut
Jess de Lautour, LOVERACING.NZ News Desk • June 6th, 2025 10:00 am
Photo: Kenton Wright
After a stunning fresh-up performance at Trentham, Spencer has another task on his hands as he carries topweight in his first appearance at Ellerslie on Saturday.
The emerging star of last winter, Spencer swept through the grades in a campaign that was headlined by a breakthrough victory in the Gr.3 Spring Sprint (1400m) in October. Resuming with a rating of 94 at Trentham last month, Spencer carried 58kg after a three-kilogram claim, but that didn’t stop him from dominating his lesser-weighted rivals with considerable ease.
Erin Hocquard, who prepares the son of Derryn at Waverley, was rapt with the effort and how he has progressed in the three weeks’ in between.
“I was just hoping he would go a good race at Trentham, I was a bit worried about the weight but he’s pretty tough,” she said.
“He’s just been ticking along since then, he’s pretty happy with himself.”
Spencer will make his debut at headquarters in a competitive Evergreen Bloodstock 1400, with apprentice jockey Liam Kauri given the nod to ride on this occasion, claiming three kilograms off his 62kg impost.
The race will also be the gelding’s first attempt right-handed, and while hopeful of a bold showing, Hocquard would have preferred a handier draw than the extreme outside he has been assigned on Saturday.
“He’s never raced right-handed, but he’s had a couple of gallops at home going the other way,” she said. “It would’ve been nice if he’d drawn in a bit so something could cuddle him around the corner, but I’m sure he’ll be fine.
“With the weight, I wouldn’t be wanting the track to get too wet as well, they’ve had quite a bit of rain up there.”
Despite these factors, Spencer is currently a $4.20 favourite in the open contest, ahead of an in-form Sterling Express ($4.60) and Group Two winner Bourbon Empress ($5.50).
