NEXT UP

Stakes targets are looming for Proserve following his win in the Agraforum Growing Innovation (2200m) at Ashburton on Monday.

It was the sixth win from 23 starts for the son of Proisir and trainers Michael and Matthew Pitman now have loftier ambitions with the five-year-old gelding.

"He'll run in the Spring Classic (Listed, 1 1⁄4 m) and then go on to the Metropolitan (Listed, 2600m)," Michael Pitman said.

Proserve  also holds a nomination for the Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m), for which he shortened to $21 from $41 following Monday's success.

"We'll see about the Cup after he runs in the Metropolitan," Pitman said.

"He's a big strong unit and he's a lovely horse, we've looked after him."

Proserve has also proved to be a highly versatile performer with successes on top of the ground, on rain-affected going and on the all-weather track.

"I think he's the best wet track horse I've trained and he's winning on dry tracks, he's just a grouse horse," Pitman said.

Pitman purchased Proserve out of Rich Hill's New Zealand Bloodstock 2020 Book 1 Yearling Sale draft for $65,000 and also trained his ill-fated half-sister First Serve, who won seven races up to 7 f, including the Gr.3 Canterbury Breeders' Stakes (1400m).