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Well-performed sprinter set for Lightning bid
Paul Vettise, LOVERACING.NZ News Desk • February 18th, 2025 12:30 pm
Photo: Race Images South
Quality sprinter Mystic Park is making good progress ahead of a trip to Trentham next month.
The Michael and Matthew Pitman-trained short course specialist hasn’t raced since he won the Listed Stewards’ Stakes (1200m) during the New Zealand Cup carnival last November and has proved potent when produced first-up.
The son of Ocean Park has an imposing record of five wins and three placings off a break and is set to resume in the Listed Lightning Handicap (1200m) at Trentham on March 22.
“All going well, Mystic Park will run in the Lightning and we’ve got a possible Brisbane campaign in mind,” Michael Pitman said.
The five-year-old was given a break following his last-start success, which took his career record to an impressive seven wins from 12 appearances.
“He has a great record fresh and when he won the Stewards, he hadn’t trialled from August through to November, and we’re really happy with him,” Pitman said.
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Should the Brisbane trip eventuate, stablemate Airpark Hustler in on the short list to accompany Mystic Park.
The three-year-old was a debut winner on his home track at Riccarton before the son of War Decree closed off well to finish fourth in the Listed Gore Guineas (1335m).
“I think he should go close to winning the Dunedin Guineas (Listed, 1600m), he’s a really talented horse and he could possibly go over,” Pitman said.
Meanwhile, Mystic Park’s half-sister Mystic Ocean will step out in the Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race (1200m) at Riccarton on Wednesday and a bold showing is expected from the daughter of Ocean Emperor.
She finished third at Kurow three runs back and has had little go her way since in two subsequent appearances.
“Mystic Ocean was very unlucky last start and she should go close to winning, she’s our best chance by a country mile,” Pitman said.
The stable will also continue its long and successful association with Tuhikaramea trainer Graeme Rogerson, breeder and owner of Ferrando juvenile Few who will debut in The Tea House at Riccarton Park 2YO (1000m).
“Rogey has always been a great supplier of horses to us, and we’ve been friends for 35 years,” Pitman said.
“The inside draw is an advantage, he’s had a good grounding and I’d like to think he can run top four and then probably go for a break.”
Another highly rated sprinter from the stable who will be back in action this weekend is Third Decree.
The eight-time winner was a last-start sixth in the Listed Timaru Stakes (1200m) after racing wide and was crowded for room in the closing stages.
“Third Decree is going to Ashburton on Sunday and he’s doing very well,” Pitman said.
