Opening Address (NZ) (So You Think) was back in the winner’s circle for the first time since winning the Listed Batman Stakes (1800m) at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day just over 12 months ago, when landing the Whispering Angel Handicap (1800m) at Caulfield on Saturday under apprentice Luke Cartwright. The New Zealand-bred son of So You Think was sent out a $21 chance for trainer Liam Howley but ran out a comfortable three-quarters of a length winner from Sigiriya Rock (Alabama Express) with a wayward favourite Skipper’s Canyon (NZ) (Belardo)…
Category: Gallops
Here To Shock gearing up for Supernova
The Lindsay Park team of Ben, Will and J D Hayes have their eyes on a second win in a Victorian slot race with one of their stable favourites Here To Shock (NZ) (Shocking). But first, Here To Shock heads to the Listed Testa Rossa Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday which the stable sees as the ideal pipe-opener for the A$1 million The Supernova (1400m) at Pakenham on December 13. Here To Shock led home a one-two finish in the inaugural running of the Supernova last year and Ben Hayes said The Supernova in two weeks’ time was certainly in the stable’s planning this year. Lindsay Park Racing…
Dealt With to make raceday return
Dealt With stamped himself as one of the most exciting three-year-old prospects last season, earning himself a slot in the inaugural $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m), but he was withdrawn at the 11th hour through injury. It was a bitter pill to swallow for his connections, with the son of Ace High looking a strong contender after previously winning his first two starts before placing in the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) and Listed Uncle Remus Stakes (1400m). Trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood have taken a patient approach with his…
In-form Tellum on target for Wanganui
A dominant last-start victory confirmed travel plans for Tellum to head south for a first crack at a black-type feature. The promising filly will bid to continue her hot run of form in the Listed O’Leary’s Fillies’ Stakes (1340m) on Saturday, with Lynsey Satherley booked for the ride by trainer Debbie Sweeney. Tellum has won her last two on the bounce at the expense of older opposition, but it was her most recent victory romp at Te Aroha that ensured her place in the Wanganui contest. “She’s been super and…
Wellington Cup tilt in the offing for Mayor Of Norwood
Wingatui trainers Brian and Shane Anderton will head to Cromwell on Sunday with a strong hand, led by Mayor Of Norwood who will attempt to seal his berth north to contest January’s Gr.3 NZ Campus Of Innovation & Sport Wellington Cup (3200m) at Trentham. The six-win gelding finished fifth first-up over 1400m at his home track earlier this month and his handlers have been pleased with his progression heading into Sunday’s Happy hire Cromwell Cup (2030m). He has been lumbered with top weight of 61kg but will get some weight…
Kingsclere 3YOs chasing black-type glory
Kingsclere Stables will have representation in all three three-year-old stakes races this weekend, and trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood are hopeful they can get their hands on some of the spoils. Circus Maximus gelding Road To Paris (NZ) (Circus Maximus) has made quite the impression on the Cambridge horsemen, which was enhanced by his last start victory over 1400m at Avondale. They have taken a patient approach with the gelding to date, and they are looking forward to testing him over a mile for the first time when they…
Jack set to sail in Wanganui Cup
Sailor Jack could have a busy few weeks ahead of him if he performs up to expectations in Saturday’s Listed Steelform Roofing Group Wanganui Cup (2040m). The Shaun and Hazel Fannin-trained eight-year-old heads into the race in good form, having placed in his last two outings, including splitting subsequent Group winners Agera and Bozo in the Feilding Cup (2050m) earlier this month. “He is in good form at the moment, he ran a really good race behind Agera in the Feilding Cup,” Shaun Fannin said. “Agera went on and won…
Team Tyler set to go the distance
Kelvin Tyler will be well represented over two days at Cromwell with a particularly strong hands in the main staying events. The Riverton trainer’s team at the Central Otago meeting on Friday will be headed by White Robe Lodge & Auripo Enterprises Memorial Cup (2030m) contenders King Of The Castle and Vamos. The latter is also likely to run at the Otago Racing Club’s fixture on Sunday in the Happy Hire Cromwell Cup (2030m) along with stablemate Master Marko. Tyler will also be keeping an eye on Otaki where Freddie…
Bosson cleared to resume riding
After an extended stand-down from riding due to concussion, leading jockey Opie Bosson has been cleared to resume duties in time for an important Group One date. Bosson was sidelined at the Avondale race meeting on November 6 after being unseated while pulling up on one of his mounts. He was subsequently diagnosed with concussion and had to comply with standard protocols before being able to get back in the saddle. He was cleared to begin trackwork duties on Monday and on Wednesday gained a full clearance, which while too…
Hustler draws well in Zipping
Grahame Begg’s She’s A Hustler (NZ) (Ace High) has received the ideal draw of three in Saturday’s Group 2 Zipping Classic, after a field of 14 accepted for the Caulfield race. The daughter of Ace High, who was narrowly defeated in the G2 Matriarch Stakes in her most recent start, is yet to miss the top two in 10 career runs but is racing at Caulfield for the first time, making the good draw even better. Alalcance, who ran well into third behind She’s A Hustler in the Matriarch, will…