Wednesday NZ news Briefs: Aim Smart on target for Zacinto
CAMBRIDGE-BASED three-year-old Aim Smart is likely to make his next appearance in the South Island.
Unplaced after a troublesome run in the Group Two Hawke’s Bay Guineas , the Group One New Zealand 2000 Guineas prospect will enjoy a look around Riccarton before the classic.
“He’ll probably go down for the Zacinto Stakes,” trainer Tony Pike said.
It was not the only Pyke runner that went around on the weekend. Bostonian fared best of its runners in last Saturday’s Hastings feature when third off a wide run while Felton Road and Haussmann failed to threaten after interrupted runs.
“Bostonian will head to the Sarten Memorial and Felton Road and Haussmann will be given short breaks and come back with the Levin Classic in mind,” he said.
Pike enjoyed success with another of his three-year-old team at Taupo on Thursday when Mulanchi broke its maiden in the Kiwi Contractors 1300m.
“He relaxed nicely outside the leader,” he said.
“I think he’ll go on to bigger and better things later on.”
Weather claims Wairarapa
Thursday’s Wairarapa meeting is the latest casualty of the country’s unseasonal weather. Excess surface water on the Tauherenikau track and an unfavourable forecast have forced the abandonment.
Filly books Soliloquy berth
Kapoor’s maiden success at Taupo on Wednesday has confirmed a black type opportunity.
“She’s a professional and we think a lot of her,” trainer John Bell said.
“The Soliloquy Stakes will be next for her.”
Kapoor was taken on in front in the NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race before the Reliable Man filly responded generously for rider Alysha Collett at the top of the straight to forge clear.
“She’s a lovely filly and she’s got a nomination for Christchurch,” said Bell, referring to the Group One New Zealand 1000 Guineas.
Change in training just the tonic for Woodloveto
Hard work had its reward at Taupo where Woodloveto made up for lost time with its first winning strike.
Runner-up on debut last month, the four-year-old lengthened stride in good style in the straight to claim the Mills Reef Winery 1800m in Troy Harris’ hands.
“He’s got a massive stride and covers the ground with ease,” trainer Samantha Logan said.
“He came to me as a naughty child, he’d been misbehaving in his work.”
Woodloveto was formerly with Logan’s mother Donna, who shares in the ownership, and her Ruakaka training partner Chris Gibbs.
A subsequent training regime that has included hill work at Ann Browne’s Cambridge property and schooling has contributed to the Redwood gelding’s improved attitude.
Vin De Dance on Derby trail
The lightly-raced Vin De Dance is joining Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman’s team in Melbourne.
The son of Roc de Cambes races in the colours of OTI Racing, who are keen to give the gelding the opportunity to earn a spot in the Group One VRC Derby.
“He’s run three very good races and if he can stay he’ll be competitive,” Forsman said.
Vin De Dance, which flew to Australia on Wednesday, was a debut winner at Pukekohe last month and it has finished runner-up in two subsequent outings, both at Te Rapa.