22-1-2020 – Pinmedown (NZ) (Pins) will return to Ellerslie to contest the Collinsonforex Karaka Cup (2200m) after a forgettable Gr.3 City of Auckland Cup (2400m) at the Auckland track on New Year’s Day.

“Things did not go well in the City of Auckland Cup,” Gerard said. “We ended up boxed down on the fence and ran into all sorts of trouble (to finish fifth). We just want to rule a line through that run and forget about that.

“She has come through that well. She just puts her best foot forward every time she goes out and I think she can be very competitive in this field.

“She has got a heart the size of a lion and she is tough. She just has no pain barrier and keeps running up every time you put her out there and she just runs out of her skin.

“She is just the type of horse that you want.”

All going to plan after Saturday Pinmedown will be set another stakes assignment.

“We will see what happens on Saturday, but she is a lot better right-handed than left-handed and the Herbie Dyke (Gr.1, 2000m) field is shaping up quite nicely I think.

“Her next start will be a choice between that and the Avondale Cup (Gr.2, 2400m).”