Out-of-form Weir runner targets NZ Group 1

The Darren Weir-trained import Raw Impulse has been sent to New Zealand in a bid to rediscover winning form.

Once rated one of the most promising horses in Weir’s stable after winning his first three Australian starts, Raw Impulse is a late entry for the Group One Windsor Park Plate at Hastings.

The former UK stayer will remain in Weir’s name on Saturday but will race on in New Zealand from Fraser Auret’s Marton stables.

“We’re just looking to change his environment a bit and try to get him back into some sort of form,” Australian Bloodstock manager Jamie Lovett told the NZ Racing Desk.

Raw Impulse has finished down the course in two Melbourne starts this season and Lovett blamed hard tracks for the gelding’s below-par record since his last win in Adelaide two years ago.

“We’re hoping for some soft conditions, that is what we are looking for,” Lovett said.

“He is a horse that has got unlimited ability but he had a chip out of a knee and we just haven’t had him right since then.

“He doesn’t let down on these fast tracks that we seem to be getting in Australia all the time, so we are hoping we can just get the right conditions over there.

“He’s a genuine Group horse on his day, given the right conditions.”

Raw Impulse is far from certain to make the Windsor Park field after fellow late entrant Lizzie L’Amour was elevated to third in the ballot.

He sits 16th in the order of entry for a race restricted to 14 runners.