Aide Memoire on target for Group 1 Tarzino Trophy

Aide Memoire
Group 1 Captain Cook Stakes winner Aide Memoire looks set for a tilt at the Hawke’s Bay Triple Crown starting next Saturday. Photo: NZ Racing Desk

Last season’s Group 1 Captain Cook Stakes winner Aide Memoire is on target for the first group one of the season next Saturday at Hastings.

The Fraser Auret-trained six-year-old came through its run at Tauherenikau well and looks a realistic chance of winning the Group 1 Tarzino Trophy in seven days time.

“She pulled up super from her race last weekend,” Auret told Horsebetting.com.au. “She hadn’t had any trials before that, but she had been in work a fairly long time and she’s forward.”

Aide Memoire was well-fancied last start at $3, but its best form comes second up and Auret has it on song for the first leg of the Hawke’s Bay Triple Crown ($26 at Bet365.com).

“She bounced out of that race particularly well and she’s very good second up,” Auret said.

The heavy track didn’t suit the daughter of Remind on that occasion and Auret is hoping for the familiar clear skies the Hawke’s Bay region is known for.

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“I’ll be happy with anything in the dead range – 5/6 would be ideal,” he said. “The only thing we do steer clear of is firm ground, but she’s adaptable.”

Aide Memoire will be having its first start on the Hastings track, but an unfamiliar setting shouldn’t worry the well-traveled mare.

“When we’ve traveled her, she’s just been so professional,” Auret said. “I’m a big believer that when it comes to racing the barrier draws are the key to the race, so a fair bit has to happen yet, but she’s adaptable.

“I’m sure she’ll enjoy the track there and Mark du Plessis is engaged to ride.”

It’s nominated for all three Hawke’s Bay spring carnival features, but Auret will need to see some positive results to attempt the 2000m of the Livamol Spring Classic on the final day.

“The 1600m definitely (Windsor Park Plate). I believe that’s where she’ll be at her best,” Auret said.

“Two starts ago she won the group one at the mile. It’s a distance she can operate at.

“The 2000m will be a case of wait and see. I do want to stretch her out to that distance, but my only concern is that it’s pretty early in the season.”

After winning the Captain Cook last December, Auret had plans of going to the Sydney autumn carnival, but opted to let the mare rest after a tough dry-track effort.

“We did have a few plans to target a couple of autumn races just been, but she jarred up after winning the Captain Cook,” Auret said, who hasn’t ruled out going there later this season.

“It’s been a slow, steady recovery and we’ve given her the time she needed.

“I would personally favour having a go in the autumn because she can operate on soft ground.”

Punters are getting great value for Aide Memoire in the Windsor Park Plate. It’s currently $26 with Bet365.com, but expect that price to drop with a good showing next Saturday.

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