Former ABs coach amongst owners of Riverton hopeful
Invercargill trainer Sabin Kirkland shares the ownership of Imabuster with Grant McKenzie, of Invercargill, and former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen (currently in Auckland).
Jamie Searle is a long-time racing writer. For more of his work check out the Southland Thoroughbreds Facebook page.
The connections of Imabuster are hoping he has inherited his dam's ability to handle all types of heavy ground heading into the Riverton race meeting on Wednesday.
Imabuster has drawn nicely at barrier four for the Otautau Food Centre Maiden (1200m) and on the strength of his unlucky fourth at Ascot Park on April 2, he should be hard to beat.
He was on debut at Ascot Park and hasn't raced since. Imabuster was blocked behind runners at the 400m and didn't get clear until the last 150m. He lengthened stride strongly to finish fourth.
The track was rated Heavy8 and on Monday, the Riverton track was Heavy10.  Â
Trainer and part-owner Sabin Kirkland said: "He's very well, the biggest question is how he'll handle the [heavy] ground. On breeding, I think he should, his mother loved it."
Imabuster's dam, Elusive Catch, won four races, three in heavy ground. Her six starts in heavy ground also produced a second, a third and a fourth.Â
Invercargill trainer Sabin Kirkland shares the ownership of Imabuster with Grant McKenzie, of Invercargill, and former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen (currently in Auckland).
The trio owned Elusive Catch and bred Imabuster.
Imabuster is being aimed at a $30,000 3-year-old race (1600m) on the synthetic track at Riccarton on June 2. Kirkland won the same race with his top sprinter Buoyant last year in record time.
Buoyant went on to win the Group III $120,000 Stewards Stakes at the New Zealand Cup meeting at Riccarton five months later.
Buoyant was transferred to a stable in Victoria earlier this year. His Australian debut has been delayed twice, firstly with him taking a knock to the face in the barrier awaiting a race start at Bendigo and secondly, a muscular complaint in the rear end.
He resumed training on Monday with ex-Kiwi Matthew Enright.
Meanwhile, the Kirkland-trained Sea Shepherd will be racing at the Wairio Jockey Club's annual race day at Ascot Park on Sunday.Â