HORSES TO FOLLOW
20th October 2010
Cup Week is almost here so it is time to consider some likely prospects for the Guineas Races and other likely prospects for the lesser races over the Carnival. Progeny by Don Eduardo, Stravinsky, No Excuse Needed, O’Reilly, Elusive City, Align, My Halo and Towkay will come to the fore at this time of year.
The Harrier
A 3f by Align in the Paul Harris stable which was mentioned in our last edition this filly won very impressively at Ashburton over the weekend. She will be prominent during Cup Week if she is kept away from the 1000 Guineas field. Clocked at 1.10.2 for 1200 metres.
Shamrox
The 4m by Pyrus from the Champion stable which was also mentioned in the July edition blitzed the field at Ashburton on Sunday and she shapes as a potential Stakes winner in the coming weeks. Raced by a large syndicate of owners from Mid Canterbury she could be a chance in the Couplands Mile at Riccarton.
Hayley Rose
A 3f by Floral Dynamite in the Jan Hay stable who was most impressive at the Trials this week. She looms as a long term prospect for the Fillies series after Xmas but watch for her to appear in the next few months. The pedigree contains a number of speed influences due to the Australian origin so 1200 to 1600 metres will suit.
Ric O’Shea
Patiently handled by the Peter Williams stable this 3g by O’Reilly won nicely at the Trials yesterday over 1000 metres without being extended. No doubt he will be set for a maiden during Cup Week so watch for his first appearance on the track.
Twilight Savings
This 3f by Secret Savings has been set for the 1000 Guineas and could not have been more impressive winning last weekend at Rotorua. A previous winner at Riccarton and from the very successful Baker stable she looms as the likely favourite.
Titsgittin
The Danske gelding finished nicely behind El Chico at Ashburton and he will be right on target for Riccarton where he has performed so well in the past. Right up with the best class and heading for the Couplands mile no doubt. Follow him through the Carnival.
Jimmy Choux
The 3g by Thorn Park has been dominant this season and should be hard to beat in the 2000 Guineas. Trained by John Bary at Hastings and already the winner of the Hawkes Bay Guineas this season.
Giuseppe
A 2c by Postponed who won a 600 metre trial nicely for Pam Gerard yesterday in 36 seconds. Interestingly bred as I am sure he is one of the first progeny of a My Halo mare that I have seen on the track. His dam Cosmah is well bred and showed ability in a light race career for Jean Schluter.
Technique, Tiger and Texas Rose
These three all trialled at Ashburton and should be prominent if we get a little moisture at Dunedin or Riccarton in the lesser classes. Tiger (Terri Rae) has overcome his problems it appears, Texas Rose (Louise O’Reilly) won her trial in 46.09 and Technique finished strongly in the same heat for Michael Daly.
Good punting!!!
HORSES TO FOLLOW
16 July 2010
With National Week approaching it is time to consider horses which can handle some moisture as we are likely to have at least soft tracks at this stage for the Carnival. Progeny by Sandtrap, His Royal Highness, Spartacus, Exploding Prospect, Ishiguru, D’Cash, Le Bec Fin, Danske, Keeper, Brilliance, Al Akbar etc will be successful during this period.
Sir Ram
This 3g by His Royal Highness fulfilled his promise with a first up win yesterday and will go on to become a better than average galloper. Trained by Neil Coulbeck he will be given the time to develop but expect him to be prominent at Riccarton in August.
Au Naturel
A 2g by Spartacus in the Parsons Stable who trialled nicely and then finished on late over 1200 at Waimate last Sunday. More ground and a little time will be all he needs before making an impression on raceday.
Laudercreek
3g by Storm Creek in the Sally & Ben Gordon Stable who won very nicely first up at Riccarton in June and now heads to Trentham. He is an above average galloper who will be worth following over the Carnival.
Gold Tap
This 3g by Bunker had his first run after a spell recently at Waimate and ran a nice race to finish fifth. He has ability which is not really reflected in his record to date. Watch him from now on as we head to Riccarton in August. Trained by Kerry King who stands his sire Bunker in Southland.
Eminence
Due to have his first start for Peter McKenzie anytime now. He is a 3g by His Royal Highness naturally and bred to be above average. Perhaps he may step out at Riccarton like some other members of the Stable who have begun their racing careers on the track.
Mt Difficulty
A smart 2 yr old trial winner by Eltawaasul ex En Passant this week at Ashburton and like the Pinot Noir he is named after he will continue to improve with age. I am sure Shane & Megan Marr will point him towards Cup Week in November.
Shamrox
This 3f by Pyrus in the Danny Champion stable has ability and she enhanced her reputation even further by defeating Hold It Harvey in a trial at Ashburton this week. Primed and ready she will appear on raceday in the next few weeks.
2f by Align ex Specified
Paul Harris produced this very impressive type by Align at the Trials and she won under a hold. She promises to be prominent next season over a little bit of ground so watch for her first appearance in the Spring.
2c by No Excuse Needed ex Bellesinga
Shane Kennedy rates this individual who is particularly well bred. Out of a Danasinga mare with the Grosvenor influence lurking in behind he should run at least 1600 metres as he matures. Won his Trial narrowly but well this week and one to watch.
Good Punting!!!
Track Spy.
HORSES TO FOLLOW
12 April 2010
April has arrived and the possibility of the tracks beginning to soften in the weeks ahead. Time to consider those Sires whose stock love the change of season such as Danske, Sandtrap, I Conquer, My Halo, Rusty Spur, His Royal Highness, D’Cash, Painted Black and Spartacus.
Da Cartes
Another promising galloper by I Conquer in the R A Hampton stable who has won two in a row at Riccarton over 1600 metres and should be back in action in the near future. He traces back to Cathmoi and the family of Maurine, Six O’Clock News, Grand Flotilla and Maurita.
Victor Alberto
This 3g by Bertolini in the Kevin Gray stable was unlucky last start and should atone next time. A big strong type who should handle slightly softer conditions in the weeks ahead.
Aye Aye
This is a smart 2g by Al Akbar with the O’Malley stable who is due to start in the next few weeks after winning two Trials in very impressive fashion. Expect a bold run first up.
Johar 3c ex Lalou (by Jetball)
This horse won very impressively at the Waipa Trials recently for Graham Richardson. Being from the family which traces to that wonderful mare Easter Bride he appears to have some class and should be well worth following in the coming weeks.
Coat’s Choice 2f ex Donna Jazz
A particularly well bred filly which has excelled at the Trials and she should make her presence felt when she steps out for Ross Beckett.
Le Vin
This 3g by His Royal Highness gelding should have a profitable autumn for Neill Ridley judging by his recent run at Riccarton last Saturday. Any moisture will assist him and he should prove to be well worth following into the winter period.
Changingtheguard
Another promising type by His Royal Highness in the Murray Baker stable who won nicely at Taranaki. He lines up this week at Otaki and promises to be very hard to beat despite a rise in class.
Flying Alibi
This 3 yr old gelding was very impressive at the Asburton Trials and resumes in the next few weeks. He is bred on the very successful No Excuse Needed / O’Reilly cross and has already been placed in his previous campaign.
