Trip not ideal, but 3Y0’s class warrants respect
Scott Base might be at a distance short of his best on Saturday, but other factors will be in his favour at Trentham.
The Karaka Million (1600m) winner will return to action in the Gr.2 Phill Cataldo Bloodstock Wellington Guineas (1400m) following an injury that forced him to miss the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m).
“He’s nice and fresh and he’s drawn well, he’s got a good turn of foot and Trentham will suit him,” said Johno Benner, who trains the Dalghar gelding with partner Hollie Wynyard.
Scott Base had been among the Derby favourites after coming from the back of the field to finish fourth in the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) at his last appearance.
“He had a bruised heel after that, but he’s freshened up really well and he’s bright and bubbly,” Benner said.
Scott Base’s future programme will become more certain after Saturday’s outing.
“He’s looking good, but we’ll see what happens and just take it a race at a time,” Benner said.
Meanwhile, his exciting stablemate Boss will make his next appearance at Awapuni on March 31.
“He looks a bit special and he’ll run in a $40,000 three-year-old race over 1200m on Sires’ Produce Stakes day,” Benner said.
Fourth on debut at Wanganui after missing the start, Boss distanced his maiden rivals at Hawera on Monday with a commanding front-running performance.