As we approach a feature day this Saturday at Ellerslie, we are excited to have Single Red and Aksil lining up as fancied runners in two key Group races.
Single Red heads into the Group 1 New Zealand Oaks in great order following her brave second placing in the Group 2 Fillies Classic at Te Rapa two weeks ago. Trainer Andrew Forsman has been very happy with the filly since that run, reporting that she pulled up very well and continues to thrive.
She has drawn well, landing barrier 2 in a field of 17, adding to our confidence. The soft draw should allow the filly to put herself right into the race without having to do too much work early, thus giving her every chance to run out the 2400m journey.
The filly completed her final piece of work yesterday with Opie Bosson aboard. With Bosson set to ride her on Saturday, it was ideal for him to get a good feel for the filly, and she has ticked every box leading into race day.
Single Red finishes 2nd in G2 Fillies Classic.
Aksil will represent us earlier on the card in the Group 2 Avondale Guineas over 2100m, a classic New Zealand Derby lead up. He has drawn barrier 6 in a field of 12 with Masa Hashizume engaged to ride.
Aksil comes into Saturday’s race off a commanding win at Ellerslie on January 31, where he stamped himself as a horse of real Classic ability. That performance gave the team plenty of confidence as he steps up in grade this weekend.
Aksil wins at Ellerslie(NZ) last start.
In preparation for Saturday’s Group 2 assignment, Aksil had a gallop on the course proper yesterday morning with Hashizume in the saddle. The feedback from the rider was very encouraging, saying “He felt good, breezed good, quickened well in the straight. He felt as good as last time and feels like he’s getting stronger each time.”
Co-trainer Katrina Alexander has also been delighted with how the gelding is coming into the race. Speaking last week, she noted “He’s eating huge, we can’t seem to give him enough, so that’s great. He’s very happy in himself. I couldn’t be happier with him. I rode him myself and he felt super.”
With both horses heading into Saturday in excellent shape, we can’t wait to see Single Red and Aksil step out on the big stage!