Middle Distance Test for Callsign Mav

Popular Group 1 winner Callsign Mav (Atlante-Raadisi, by Volksraad) will be in action at Awapuni on Saturday, where he will be tried beyond a mile for the first time in his career in the Gr2 City Of Palmerston North Awapuni Gold Cup (2000m). Prepared by Hastings trainer John Bary, Callsign Mav has been a consistent performer throughout his 16-start career, netting five wins and seven placings, highlighted by victory in the Gr1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at the beginning of the season. Runner-up to Avantage at Group 1 level over 1600m at Otaki last start, Bary is confident Callsign Mav can extend to a middle distance and add another string to his bow. Everything indicates he will be fine out to the 2000m,” Bary explained to NZ Racing Desk. “He was running through the line well at Otaki, he was chasing hard and took the whole back straight to pull up. Bary noted the horse hadn’t been tried over further than a mile to date simply because the races haven’t aligned at the distance at the right stage of his preparation until now. “If he gets it (the 2000m), then it opens up a few more doors for us in the spring.” Regular rider Jonathan Riddell will again partner the 4YO son of Atlante, having also had the option to ride Royal Performer (Medicean), on whom he won the Gr1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m).

Callsign Mav will tackle 2000m for the first time (pic: Race Images Peter Rubery)