New Zealand Racing 2013-14

[my miss storm cat]

Congrats on a nice run in a very tough field.

Looked like He's Rock'n'Roll (white cap?) got right in her way around... 1:17 or so?

Next time.

[_ed_]

Yeah, that might have put her off her game a bit. Or maybe she's just had enough this prep and needs a break. It was a bit disappointing, and I know she's better than that. She'll do better next time.

[_ed_]

Let's start our Derby countdown! First up, two horses that aren't running in the big race tomorrow.

SPELLBINDER
filly
O'Reilly - Scenic Sprint (O'Reilly is the sire of one NZ Derby winner - Silent Achiever, 2012)


Owner: Te Akau Stud (no Derby wins)
Trainer: Jason Bridgman (no Derby wins)
Rider: Matt Cameron (no Derby wins)

A $60,000 purchase at auction as a yearling.

(Starts:1st-2nd-3rd): 7:4-2-1

Stakes races:
1st Soliloquy Stakes (L)
1st Karaka Mile (L)
2nd Sir Tristram Fillies' Classic (G2)
2nd Sarten Memorial (G3)
3rd New Zealand 1000 Guineas (G1)

This is a seriously good filly who's shown freakish ability in her brief career so far - like in her seven-length demolition of the Soliloquy Stakes and a romp in the Karaka Mile. There were doubts about her stamina, but she blew those away with a strong-closing second in the Sir Tristram - coming from way back, and off a slow pace. She's undefeated in three races at Ellerslie, two of them stakes.

Maybe she can make it three years in a row for fillies. Maybe she can give Te Akau their first Derby win (they had placings with Tell A Tale in 2009 and Rock 'N' Pop in 2012).

Odds: 40-1 in January; 30-1 two weeks ago; now 9-1 (equal fifth favourite)



WE'REGOINGTOGETCHA
colt
Testa Rossa - Sweetness 'N' Light (the 2nd dam, Tricia Ann, is also the dam of multiple stakes winner La Sizeranne; also the family of Derby winner and great sire Grosvenor)


Owner: D Hayes & S Prenter (no Derby wins)
Trainer: David Hayes (no relation to the Australian trainer of the same name!) (no Derby wins)
Rider: Kelly Myers (no Derby wins)

A $140,000 purchase at auction as a yearling.

(Starts:1st-2nd-3rd): 10:2-2-2

Stakes races:
2nd Ryder Stakes (L, 2yo)
3rd Waikato Guineas (G2)
8th New Zealand 2000 Guineas (G1)
8th Levin Classic (G1)

Flying along under the radar until his powerful finish into third in the Waikato Guineas. Looks likely to love the step up to 2400m.

Odds: 30-1 in January; 18-1 before Waikato Guineas; now 7-1 (equal third favourite)

[my miss storm cat]

Outstanding, ed! Thank you for starting this... always a thrill!

Cannot wait for the next installment and for the great races this weekend.

Habibi finally had a workout so I stuck it in her thread in the paddock.

Good luck to Puccini tonight and well to all of them (cause they're all soooo good!)!

[_ed_]

Beautiful, hot day here at Ellerslie. After two races so far, I have just two words: SILENT ACHIEVER! That was so amazing, under a huge weight.

[_ed_]

Oh, wow. Man, Puccini is so good.

[my miss storm cat]

Oh ed did he do it?

I just ran home to change and am so bummed about Polanski being scratched again but this news? Well this makes it all better and oh the Silent one!!!!!

Keep having a fantastic time and thanks for the updates!!!!!!!! Cannot wait to watch replays.

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by _ed_

Beautiful, hot day here at Ellerslie. After two races so far, I have just two words: SILENT ACHIEVER! That was so amazing, under a huge weight.

Whoa great race!!!!!

Spectacular finish!

Is there any word on Mosquito? Poor thing.

[_ed_]

http://www.theinformant.co.nz/racing...om-colic-atack He's tough! Just like he is on the racetrack.