We look forward to an exciting weekend of racing with black-type runners in both Australia and New Zealand.
Kicking off the day on Saturday will be Rivaport in the Group 3 Frances Tressady Stakes at Flemington. The 5yo mare heads into the race third up after a very impressive performance last start, winning the race to the post, but not the debate in the steward’s room post-race.
She has since had a tick-over trial at Cranbourne at the start of February and heads into Saturday’s race in good form. “She’s trained on well since her run at Flemington and the break between runs was good for her. We will keep her on the big tracks and the trial has set her up well for Saturday’s race.”, said Begg.
Saturday’s Group 3 will be the first test at Group level for the mare, but the Flemington circuit should give Rivaport every chance to be competitive. See the full field and all race details here.
In New Zealand we have Interlinked, who will fly from Australia on Wednesday night before taking his place in the Group 2 Avondale Guineas on Saturday. The 3yo NZ-bred is proving to be a talented stayer and dreams of returning ‘home’ for both horse and trainers, Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young, to win a NZ Derby are alive following a good run against the older horses at The Valley last start.
“He has been thriving since his last run and is in peak condition. He’s had a gallop and some slow work on his right-hand (Sydney way), which is how he will be racing over there. He has been doing everything right, is changing legs when he has to and we’re happy with him. Interlinked will stay at Cambridge Stud’s private property, they have a great training set up and he is in very good hands.”, said Trent Busuttin to connections.
Interlinked will be ridden by Sam Weatherly. Click here (then click Race 6) to see the full field and all race details for the G2 Avondale Guineas here. Should Interlinked run to expectations, he will stay in New Zealand for the Derby on March 2, 2024.
We also look forward to seeing Full Of Sincerity return to the races at Flemington, and Altruist trying to add to his winning record at Morphettville.
Best of luck to all connections over the weekend!
