New Zealand Racing 2013-14

[_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.

[_ed_]

He sure did! Even better than last time. That's three G2 wins in his last four starts now, and he's the 3-1 Derby favourite.

[my miss storm cat]

Hahahaha brilliant!

Very very happy now and cannot wait to come home and see the race.

So exciting!

[my miss storm cat]

That was seriously so awesome I can't even speak!!!!!

... and nice and surprising run from Lucky Feather haha!

Was holding my breath for Rising Romance there at the end...what a brave girl.

Poor Blizzard looks like he got knocked about there at the start.

Okay have not seen the other replays yet but will on and off throughout the day.

Chambord looked fine, didn't he? I mean there doesn't seem to be any problem with him after that disappointing run last out.

[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.

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by _ed_

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

Great news!

[_ed_]

Also, just saw your post on Shaune Ritchie's comments about the Lowland Stakes-Derby clash. It's totally true - makes no sense to have them on the same day.

[_ed_]

Now let's look at the Avondale Guineas 1-2-3.


PUCCINI
colt
Encosta de Lago – Miss Opera (half-brother to six-time G1 winner Sir Slick)


Owner: Monovale Farm (no Derby wins)
Trainer: Peter and Jacob McKay (no Derby wins)
Rider: Michael Walker (Military Move 2010)

Not sold at auction; retained by the breeders.

(Starts:1st-2nd-3rd): 13:4-1-3

Stakes races:
1st Great Northern Guineas (G2)
1st Waikato Guineas (G2)
1st Avondale Guineas (G2)
3rd Champagne Stakes (L, 2yo)
4th New Zealand 2000 Guineas (G1)
4th Levin Classic (G1)
5th Matamata Slipper (L, 2yo)

He took eight starts to clear maidens, but since then his record is four wins from six starts, with two G1 fourths. Any thoughts of his Great Northern Guineas win being a fluke have been destroyed by brilliant wins in the Waikato and Avondale Guineas, dominating from in front after a rocky trip up to and around the first turn. His performances along the road to the Derby have been unbelievable, and he towers over his opposition in terms of what he’s achieved so far. The rightful and deserving favourite for NZ’s greatest race.

Odds: opened at 30-1; 17-1 after GN Guineas; 8-1 after Waikato Guineas; now 3-1f.


RISING ROMANCE
filly
Ekraar – Post Romance (Ekraar is the sire of 2013 Derby winner Habibi, as well as other G1-winning females Shez Sinsational and Ekstreme)


Owner: John Carter, Brian Carter and Ross Powell (no Derby wins)
Trainer: Donna and Dean Logan (Habibi 2013)
Rider: Michael Coleman (Cut The Cake 2003, Xcellent 2004)

Not sold at auction; retained by the breeders.

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

Stakes races:
1st Royal Stakes (G2)
1st Trevor Eagle Memorial (L)
2nd Avondale Guineas (G2)
3rd Eight Carat Classic (G2)

Since her shock win as a 35-1 longshot in the Trevor Eagle, Rising Romance has just got better and better with every race. She dominated in the Royal Stakes, and then, after a six-week break, came back with a strong-closing second in the Avondale Guineas. She looks like the only horse out of that race with the potential to turn the tables on Puccini in the Derby. It’s deja vu – an Ekraar filly, trained by the Logans, running a solid race in the Avondale and about to peak in the Derby. Can she follow in Habibi’s footsteps? The Logans would become the first trainers to win the Derby back-to-back since Mike Moroney in 2003-4.

Odds: opened at 40-1; 5-1f after Royal Stakes; now 4-1 second-favourite.


GLORIOUS LAD
gelding
Falkirk – Luscious Lass


Owner: K Lau, S Fung, S Wong and D Chan (no Derby wins)
Trainer: Shaune Ritchie (Military Move 2010)
Rider: Mark du Plessis

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

Stakes races:
2nd Wellington Stakes (G3)
3rd Avondale Guineas (G2)
4th Waikato Guineas (G2)

One of the most consistent horses of this year’s 3yo crop, Glorious Lad has never finished further back than fourth – and that fourth in the Waikato Guineas was arguably unlucky. And you have to take notice when Shaune Ritchie, trainer of Derby winner Military Move and Oaks winners Keep The Peace and Artistic, says he’s “the most exciting 3-year-old I’ve ever had”. Finished solidly in the Avondale Guineas last weekend. But Falkirk is a speed sire, and there are doubts about Glorious Lad at a mile and a half. There’s only one way to find out, and that’s on Derby day.

Odds: opened at 27-1; 11-1 on Jan 12; 6-1 second-favourite after Waikato Guineas; now 7-1 third-favourite.

[my miss storm cat]

Fantastic write ups, ed!!!!!

Such an exciting time of year.

Good news...

Veyron back in work

20 February 2014, 9:40 a.m.

Five-time Group One winner Veyron returned to light work on Wednesday morning.

... and as if that weren't good enough good luck to THE HOMBRE on Saturday and wow that is some field on Sunday! Head is spinning! (Would be amazing to see Final Touch win though).

(... AND g/l to The Grinner on Monday! Will be away for a couple of days so have to get all this in just incase).