“It’s a very exciting time and a lot of people are behind us. Hopefully we can make them proud,” Cox said.
Neither Cox’s grandfather Harry, who trained 335 winners, nor his father John, who won 102 races, had a runner in the iconic position.
“He (Harry) used to be more trotters and he was lucky enough to win an Inter Dominion (Poupette 1965). Dad was the same with mainly trotters and he won a Rowe Cup (David Moss 1993). To have a pacer at this level is pretty cool.”
This campaign Pinseeker has had three run-up races, finishing second behind the Republican Party in early October, an unlucky eleventh in the Canterbury Classic and a close fourth in the Ashburton Flying Stakes.
“He hasn’t been away quickly, but he’s been safe. He was really good in the Canterbury Classic and he was 95% good at Ashburton while he was in the one race. As long as I don’t have to chase him early or bother him, I think he can relax. That will be the deciding point. If he tops the races he won’t be there, but if he can relax and travel well I’d like to think he’ll be around there.”
Cox has raced in four New Zealand Cups: Nandola in 2019 and 2020, Piccadilly Princess in 2017 and Brilliant Strike in 2015.
“I’ve been lucky enough to race a few times. They weren’t popular runners. Just to be part of the day and a big race, that’s why you become a driver. It’s the most prestigious race in New Zealand. Everyone wants to be part of it.”
Winning a big race during Cup Week is nothing new for Cox. He trained and rode Jackka Justy to win the 2014 Dominion Handicap.
“He wasn’t an avid runner (7/7 in the betting). We scored the perfect run. It was about really enjoying the moment.”
Pinseeker is owned by Iain Wilson, Peter Brinsdon, Jason Wood, Bernie McKone ONZM, Phil Stephens, Logan Boersma and Gary May.
And if you dig deep, Pinseeker’s family has produced a New Zealand Cup winner. His fifth dam Regina Dillion left Garry Dillion, who won the 1967 New Zealand Cup by three lengths when twelfth favourite.
Pinseeker will be in barrier three tomorrow.
“I don’t think the draw will worry him. For us it’s closer to the fence.”
He has had 20 standing starts for five wins and eight minor placings.
“In the first couple of years I tried to keep him on the standing starts. He had a few mobiles and then the Aussie trip. Most of his starts were from the standing so hopefully it will pay off for us on Tuesday.”
Pinseeker is the third least experienced runner in this year’s Cup with 31 starts. Only Better Knuckle Up (24) and Rakero Rocket (28) have fewer starts. The top three runners are American Me (106), Leap To Fame (73) and Republican Party (59).
The five-year-old gelding had his last serious hit on Saturday morning.
“He only has a few jogging days. Hopefully we’ve done enough.”
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Through Bruce Stewartfor Harnesslink
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