Racing team in stylish Wingatui return

By Jonny Turner

The White Robe Lodge racing team returned to its home track in style on Friday with a winning double at the first Wingatui meeting since lockdown.

Slammer was clearly bursting to get back to the roomy circuit with a strong staying performance to win race 1.

Rider Corey Campbell found an economical trip for the Raise The Flag 7yr-old, who was too tough for his opposition over 2200m.

Like so many of the stock of Raise The Flag, Slammer has rewarded the patience of his group of owners by developing in to a quality stayer after a good early grounding.

The son of With Class mare, Agavero, has really hit his straps with Friday's win being his third his last five starts.

"He has come up well, we have been quite pleased with him and it was a good win," Brian Anderton said. 

"We gave him a good spell and he was ready to go before the lockdown."

"We took him to Riccarton first up and it was a good stayer's run to bring him on."

If Slammer can complete the next goal on his agenda he could set himself up for a clash with former White Robe Lodge galloper and star Australian stayer, Ablaze.

Slammer will be aimed at Jericho Cup qualifying event over 3000m at Riccarton on October 24.  

Ablaze, also by Raise The Flag, won last year's edition of the 4600m staying test and will likely be aimed at the rich event again.

Raise The Flag bagged a double on Friday when improved track conditions allowed Crispin to show her true over 1400m in race 8.

There has never been any questioning the 7yr-old's talent, which was on full display when she powered home out of the pack for rider Courtney Barnes.

Crispin relished the slow8 Wingatui track conditions, which were much more comfortable for her than the heavy 11 surface she raced on at Riccarton first up.

"She just got too bogged down at Riccarton," Anderton said. 

"She like a bit of cut out of the ground and she seems to like Wingatui, so it was perfect for her on Friday."  

"She has come up well, so she should be in for a good campaign."

Crispin has had 11 starts at Wingatui for three wins, three placings and a further three top five finishes.