MURRAY Bridge trainer Michael Hickmott is hoping his close friendship with New Zealand horseman Andrew Campbell can reap some handy rewards in South Australian in the coming months.
Campbell has sent a team of horses to South Australia, with Aqueduct and Peloton the first two to step out at Murray Bridge today.
“Andrew sent the horses here in really good condition,” Hickmott said.
“These two plus four others have come over from Andrew. He’s a good mate of mine and they’re owned by a guy by the name of Tommy Heptinstall. He is also a good mate of my; he’s a real estate guru in Wellington so we have a bit in common there.
“These are the first horses they’ve sent across. It’s good to see people supporting South Australian racing.”
Peloton hasn’t raced since running last in the Group 1 New Zealand Derby back in February and Hickmott said he was excited by his prospects in the coming months.
“He’s a nice horse, I really like him,” Hickmott said.
“What he lacks in ability he makes up for in the fact he’s a straightforward racehorse. I’m really enjoying training him; I think he’s got good upside.
“He’s been found in the ratings, it will be interesting to see how he measures up at his first run out of three-year-old grade.”
Hickmott said he was hoping Peloton could measure up in some handy races in the coming months.
“He’s a bomb-proof type of horse,” Hickmott said.
“I’d love to see if he could measure up in a Balaklava Cup or a Murray Bridge Cup, we won’t know until after his second run.”
Meanwhile talented stayer Franked will be looking towards the Skybeau Series later in the year when he resumes from a wide gate in the final race today.
