The spotlight will shine on Ellerslie this weekend as Hasstobegood takes centre stage in the $1M (NZD) Karaka Million 3yo Classic over 1600m. (5:42pm AEDT, 7:42pm local time)
After being acquired at the beginning of January, Hasstobegood heads to the race on the back of a most encouraging OTI debut, running 2nd over 1500m at the track behind Pimlico. After an effort that delighted both trainer Roger James and jockey Vinnie Colgan, the filly looks set to peak in what looks a quality rendition of the race.
Barrier gods were kind at Wednesday morning’s draw, with Hasstobegood to jump from barrier two in the 13 horse field. This provides Colgan a great opportunity to take up a prominent position in the run should he elect to do so.
Hasstobegood brings some of New Zealand’s strongest juvenile form lines in to the race. When finishing 3rd in the Listed Uncle Remus (1400m) two starts ago she was beaten half a length by Travelling Light & Harlech. These two runners contested the Group 1 Levin Classic (1600m) on January 11 at their following start and once again filled the quinella, pairing off and putting a space on the rest of the field in the process.
Holder of an Australian Guineas nomination, a plan for the immediate future of Hasstobegood will become clearer after the Karaka Million.
Saturday promises much excitement for new connections and we wish them the best of luck in what we hope is the first of many features Hasstobegood plays her part in.
