An unexpected e-mail from Racing Victoria had Taranaki based trainer Robbie Patterson reaching for the phone to call the owners of Puntura to tell them their horse had received a late invitation to compete in the $4 million All-Star Mile at Caulfield on March 16.
It was too good a call up to turn down.
“We are realistic about it. We are going to be racing the best in Australasia, but it is just a great thrill to be invited and have the opportunity,” Patterson told the LOVERACING.nz news-desk.
Puntura, an eleven-time winner from 34 starts, was about to have his season swansong in the Group 1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes on Saturday, but instead, he will now leave on a flight to Victoria on Sunday.
As recently as January 20 this year, Puntura claimed a Group 1 success in the Thorndon Mile at Trentham, a result which saw him complete a hat-trick of wins after having won a Group 2 and a Group 3 race in his previous two starts.
He did blot his copybook last time out finishing well down the field in the Group 1 Otaki-maori Classic at Otaki, prompting Patterson to think that he would give Puntura one last start before sending him to the paddock.
That was going to be the Bonecrusher. Now it will be the All-Star Mile.
Regular rider Craig Grylls, who was in the saddle in all three of those wins referred to will also make the trip to Victoria to partner Puntura on the big day.
