3 minute read

A decent pay-day awaits Michael Pitman if he can land next month’s Winning Edge Presentations Gr.3 Winter Cup (1600m) on his home track with Elfee.

The Riccarton horseman, who trains with his son Matthew, produced the former North Island mare to claim the Oamaru Cup (1600m) last time out and will be eligible for a bonus if she holds her winning form.

“When they told me what they were going to do and then advised there was a $25,000 bonus I said to the owner we’ll go to Oamaru,” Pitman said.

The bonus is being offered by the Oamaru Jockey Club to any horse that wins the two events.

“Elfee’s got a fantastic record at 1600m, she’s won seven races, and she was $61 for the Winter Cup,” Pitman said.

“I got that for myself and told a couple of good mates as well. I couldn’t believe the odds and now she’s $10.

“The Winter Cup is probably the hardest race to win at Riccarton and I think she’s the perfect mare for it.”

Elfee won two races for Byerley Park trainers Peter and Dawn Williams before she relocated and she has since been a model of consistency.

“She’s had 24 starts for us and 23 times she’s earned a cheque,” Pitman said.“She’s done a really good job, she’s a lovely mare.”

A daughter of Iffraaj, Elfee was also runner-up in the Gr.3 South Island Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) in the autumn.