Injury setback for NZ Derby hope Age Of Fire
“He got cast in his box and gave his tendon a whack,” Te Akau principal David Ellis said.
“After four days at the vet clinic he’s now 100 per cent so it’s onwards and upwards with him, but whether we get to the New Zealand Derby we’re not 100 per cent certain.
“We think if we can get him to the Avondale Guineas we can make the Derby, otherwise there’s the Group 1 mile at Otaki (Haunui Farm WFA Classic), the Rosehill Guineas and then the ATC Derby.”
The Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards-trained Age Of Fire enhanced his future stallion value at his last appearance when the Fastnet Rock colt triumphed in the Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m), his third win from six appearances.
Hallmark Stud will offer a sister (Lot 172) to Age Of Fire at the Book 1 Sale at Karaka on January 28.