While the autumn carnival has only just begun, we are eager to watch five of our ten weekend runners contest Listed or Group quality races in Australia and New Zealand.
Starting in New Zealand with Mark Twain, who could take his place in the 2000m Listed Kaimai Stakes at Matamata (NZ). He has also been nominated for the 2300m NZ St Leger Trial at Otaki (NZ) on the same day as an alternative. Whichever way he goes, the gelding heads into Saturday’s race fourth up, on the back of a winning performance last start over 2100m.
“He came through his win in lovely order and trained on well. Saturday’s race is probably a bit short for his best, but it’s the ideal run to tighten him up for the Auckland Cup in March.” commented trainer Robert Wellwood.
See the full field for the Listed Kaimai Stakes here and the full field for the NZ St Leger Trial here.
Back in Australia, exciting 3yo gelding Caracas will contest the Group 2 Autumn Classic at Caulfield, having last been seen in early February winning impressively at Pakenham.
A stiffer test no doubt, however we expect to see another competitive performance from him. Caracas is a horse we believe capable of heading to one of the Derbies across the autumn. Saturday’s race may tell us whether that is in Sydney, Adelaide or Brisbane.
The full field and all race details here.
We look forward to the return of Brisbane Cup winner Selino, who makes his return in the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes for trainer Chris Waller and connections, also at Caulfield.
“He continues to look and work well. Yesterday morning he went to Caulfield where he galloped over 1200m and worked nicely to build his fitness levels ahead of his first up run this Saturday. He obviously needs a lot further, but we will slowly build him up with the Sydney Cup as his main target.” said Waller.
Click here for all race details and the full field.
Our star mare Lady Laguna is also scheduled to run again, taking her place in the Group 2 Millie Fox Stakes at Rosehill. The 4yo mare is in career best form and heads into this stronger race in very good order. With three consecutive wins to her name, she will again be well supported.
All race details and the full field for Lady Laguna’s race here.
Last, but certainly not least, we have talented stayer Speranzoso stepping out to Group level for the very first time. The 5yo gelding has been most exciting for connections in his current preparation, winning three times and placing in a further four from his nine starts.
Trainer Clayton Douglas has decided to take him over to Adelaide, to compete in the Group 3 Lord Reims Stakes over 2600m.
“It’s obviously a big step up in class for him, but it will be a good assessment on whether we head towards an Adelaide Cup in the future or if we reassess. He’s in really good shape, his tick-over trial was excellent and I would expect him to perform well.”, said trainer Clayton Douglas.
All race details and the full field here.
Best of luck to all connections of our horses over the weekend, hopefully we have plenty of reasons to celebrate!
