A trip to Taupo to bring on the fitness of talented mares Two Illicit (NZ) (Jimmy Choux) and Concert Hall (NZ) (Savabeel) has received a hearty tick of approval from Cambridge trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood.
One of the more impressive winners on the program at Matamata on Wednesday was the Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott-trained filly Escudo (NZ) (El Roca).
The campaigns for Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman’s pair of Caulfield and Melbourne Cup hopes gets underway on Saturday, with Quick Thinker (So You Think) and The Chosen One (NZ) (Savabeel) set to kick off at Flemington.
The Jamie Richards-trained Cornflower Blue (NZ) (Savabeel) has firmed to a $10 chance in early markets for the Gr.1 Barneswood Farm 48th New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) following a dominant win at Matamata on Wednesday.
Fiscal Fantasy (Skilled) has become one of trainer Frank Ritchie’s stable favourites and he admits it will be a sad day when she leaves his Cambridge barn for the last time.
Christchurch apprentice Rohan Mudhoo is riding the crest of a wave, having impressed the country’s leading trainer Jamie Richards enough to secure key rides for Te Akau Racing at Riccarton on Saturday.
Multiple Group Two winner Scott Base (NZ) (Dalghar) has been retired after finishing 12th in last Saturday’s Gr.2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m), with connections electing to call time on the career of the highly talented, but injury-plagued six-year-old.
New Zealand Bloodstock has announced eight new NZB Ready to Run Sale race sponsorships as well as a new, incentivised prize package for domestic trainers over the duration of spring.
