Cole has Ohceedee 2000 Guineas ready

Ohceedee

TRAINER Steven Cole is optimistic in the group one prospects of Ohceedee after a strong performance at Hastings over the weekend.

The Byerley Park conditioner, who produced the now Hong Kong-based Dukedom to win last season’s Levin Classic, was thrilled with the maiden three-year-old’s run for sixth in the Group Two Hawke’s Bay Guineas.

Cole believes the performance is indicative of a good upcoming preparation.

“It was huge and against the pattern of the day,” he said.

“From where he got to in the race he wasn’t a winning chance, but the way he got home was really encouraging.”

Stakes placed as a juvenile in the Listed Great Northern Foal Stakes, Ohceedee’s effort to come from second last on Saturday showed it was on target for November’s Group One New Zealand 2000 Guineas.

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“He ran the fastest last 600m (34.95) and he’s already looking for the mile – the big, long straight at Riccarton is really going to suit him,” Cole said.

“He travelled home well and he’s as bright as a button. We just have to decide whether we find a maiden mile for him next or run in the Sarten Memorial at Te Rapa before we head to Christchurch.”

Ohceedee may not be the only galloper the trainer takes into the November feature.

Cole’s hand in the New Zealand 2000 Guineas could be doubled after Saturday’s meeting at Matamata where Inca Warrior will be in action.

“He’ll run in the three-year-old race over 1400m and, as long as he runs well, we’ve got intentions to take him to Riccarton as well,” he said.

Inca Warrior broke its maiden at Te Aroha two runs back and then finished at Te Rapa last month.

“He likes the cut out of the ground, but he’s not an out and out mudder,” Cole said.

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