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FWC on Sport Nation guideStrobe Light seeking to shine at Wingatui
Joshua Smith, LOVERACING.NZ News Desk • June 26th, 2026 2:42 pm
Strobe Light will contest the Otago Painting Solutions (1600m) at Wingatui on Sunday. Photo: Tayler Strong
Strobe Light has been in a purple patch of form of late and trainer Amber Hoffman is hoping that will continue at Wingatui on Sunday where the five-year-old gelding will contest the Otago Painting Solutions (1600m).
The late bloomer only made his debut in March and has had six career starts to date, hitting form at just his third start when runner-up over a mile at Riverton in April before placing again at Ascot Park a fortnight later.
He broke through for his maiden victory over a mile at Wingatui later that month, and he returned to the Dunedin venue a month later where he doubled his tally over the same distance.
“He has been a bit of a surprise package, he doesn’t really show a lot at home, but he brings his A-game on raceday,” Hoffman said. “Hopefully his form can continue.
“His last victory was quite impressive because he has never really shown a turn of foot, but he showed a bit of speed, and coming through the middle too, he showed quite a bit of maturity.”
Hoffman has been pleased with his progression and felt confident enough to step him up to rating 80 grade this weekend where he will jump from the outside gate in the nine-horse field.
“It is not an overly strong rating 80, so I think he will acquit himself quite well,” she said. “It is not an overly big field, and he jumps out quite nicely, so he should be midfield.”
Hoffman is also upbeat about the chances of last start placegetters Empress Suiko and Shamel Express in the Positive Signs + Print (1400m) and Otago Racing Club Life Members Plate (1400m) respectively.
“Empress Suiko tries hard, she just always finds one or two better on the day. I think she will go a good race just as long as she can handle the really Heavy going,” Hoffman said.
“Shamel Express went really well last start, I was a wee bit shocked with him. That is what he is capable of doing but whether he does it again on Sunday is a different story because he is a bit of a funny bugger.
“His work was really good this week so hopefully if he can get through that Heavy10 I think he will go another nice race.”
Hoffman will also be represented at Wingatui by Wild Jakkal and Secret Wish in the Property Brokers – Ray Kean (2200m) and Beaujolais in the Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series (1200m).
