NZ racing wrap: Autridge & Richards pair hunting group glory
TRAINING duo Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards will take star pair Griffin and Summer Monsoon to Hastings this Saturday in search of group honours.
Both horses will resume in the Listed El Roca – Sir Colin Meads Trophy and Richards is confident they will be good to go.
“They are both nice three-year-olds on their way to the Guineas races, hopefully ending up at Riccarton,” said Richards referring to the Group One Al Basti Equiworld New Zealand 2000 Guineas.
A brother to Gingernuts, Griffin won its only start last term and ill be ridden by Michael Coleman.
Summer Monsoon will be handled by Cameron Lammas, who won on the colt at Te Rapa last year.
Marsh happy with Tarzino duo
Stephen Marsh is hoping that his Tarzino Trophy elects Sofia Rosa and Thee Auld Floozie are ready to fire in Saturday’s group one feature at Hastings.
“I can’t fault either one of them,” the trainer said.
“Thee Auld Floozie has come back very well and she should like the track.
“It will be short of Sofia Rosa’s best distance, but like the other horse she should sprint well fresh.”
Both horses pleased Marsh with their lead-up trials at Taupo earlier this month.
Kiwis get together at Randwick
A pair of successful New Zealand horsemen will team up at Randwick on Saturday.
Michael Walker will ride the Chris Waller-trained Tom Melbourne in the Group Two Tramway Handicap following the former Victorian stayer’s luckless resuming run for second in the Spring Preview at Rosehill earlier this month.
The former champion Kiwi jockey will also partner the French stakes winner Sarrasin for Waller in the Group Two Chelmsford Stakes.