Te Akau's New Team

The NZ Racing Desk reports:

A new training partnership's first runners at Matamata on Wednesday ushers in a new era for the powerful Te Akau operation.

The changing of the guard is a result of Jason Bridgman relinquishing his position as head trainer after a four and a half year stint to hand over the reins to Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards.

“If we get a winner on our first day then the job had already been done for us - we've just added a little oil to the machine,” said Autridge, who is back in a familiar environment after a successful spell with Te Akau in the 1990s.

“Highly Likely is an up and coming stayer and he's probably our best hope. Whatever he does he will improve, but he worked well on Saturday morning.”

A son of High Chaparral, Highly Likely made late ground when resuming over a mile and he will be suited by the step up in trip in the Challenge Matamata 2000.  The four-year-old will be ridden by stable jockey Matt Cameron, who is also on the well-related Bordeaux in The Boltholder Limited 1600.

“It wasn't a bad run last time out and he's looking for more ground,” Autridge said. “I think he can run in the money.”

The first of the stable's trio to hit the ground is the consistent Chadsdale in the AA Auto Service & Repair Matamata 1400.

“He's honest and he should go close as well,” Autridge said.

His new training partner Jamie Richards, who has graduated from the position of Te Akau racing manager, is a son of Byerley Park-based trainer Paul.