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Perennial Group One performer Authentic Paddy has returned for his nine-year-old season better than ever before according toAwapuni trainer Lisa Latta.
She made the comments in the wake of the Gr.1 Zabeel Classic (2000m) winner's bold third placing to Melody Belle and Julius in the Gr.2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m) at Te Rapa on Saturday.
It was a mighty return from the Howbaddouwantit gelding over a distance much shorter than his favoured 2000m.
"I’m absolutely rapt with him," Latta said.
"It was a great run in a stronger field than other years. He found the line really well. He's coming up really well, as good. if not better than he has before. He's a happy horse."
Authentic Paddy has won 11 of his 84 starts and beside his Zabeel Classic win at Ellerslie on Boxing Day last year, he has placed in a further six Group One races and won or placed a further 11 times at stakes level.
Latta confirmed Authentic Paddy for the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings on September 1, a race he finished 14th in last year after running fifth in the Foxbridge Plate.
Authentic Paddy is likely to progress to the 2000m open handicap at Hastings on September 23 as his leadup to the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) at Hastings on October 6.
TAB bookmakers have Authentic Paddy as a $41 outsider for both Group One races.
Latta said Authentic Paddy would again tackle Ellerslie's three weight-for-age 2000m races this season, the Gr.3 OMF Stakes on November 6, the Gr.1 Zabeel Classic on December 26 and Gr.1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes on March 9.
Meanwhile, Latta will produce New Zealand stayer of the year finalist Five To Midnight fresh-up in the 1600m open handicap at Hastings on Saturday week.
The Gr.3 Waikato Cup (2400m) winner and Gr.1 Auckland Cup (3200m) runner-up trialled well at Foxton earlier this month and had been pencilled in to trial at Foxton again tomorrow before they were postponed a week.
"His trial was the best he's ever gone in his life. He's come back in terrific order and he'll follow a similar path to last year. Kevin [Pratt, owner] would like to win the Auckland Cup," Latta said.
Five To Midnight could use the Gr.3 Boehringer Ingelheim 1550 at Awapuni on September 15 as his leadup to the Livamol Classic, for which he is at $18 in the TAB's futures market.