The G1 Auckland Cup awaits Azuro at Ellerslie.
A three-time winner from just four starts over 3200m, the six-year-old will have barrier 16 to contend with but has the services of top New Zealand jockey, Jason Waddell. (Race 9 – 3:35pm AEDT, 5:35pm local)
Azuro has a demonstrated liking for the famous two miles after winning three consecutive races in 2019 over the distance. A win in the Stayers Cup at Rosehill in June was followed up in the Listed Queensland Cup at Eagle Farm in July before spring success in the Listed Sandown Cup.
He has taken to his surroundings well, settling in to Murray Baker’s Cambridge stable over the past few days. Confidence among connections is high, with some electing to travel over to Auckland and cheer their charge on from the track. We wish them, and all remaining at home, the best of luck!
Selica will face her first challenge at Group level when she contests the G2 Kewney Stakes (Race 7 – 4:05pm AEDT) over 1400m as part of Super Saturday.
Drawn the outside barrier with Ben Thompson retaining the ride, the daughter of Makfi arrives into the Kewney second up on the back of a determined win upon resumption over the distance at Sandown on February 19. The form from that race has been franked since, with Paradee (2nd) winning at the Flemington midweek meeting on Wednesday.
Trainer Phil Stokes has kept Selica up to her work in the past fortnight and whilst no doubt this is the biggest test of her short career to date, we are confident the progressive filly will prove herself up to the grade.
Penshurst (barrier four) will round out the day for OTI’s partners after taking a trip up the highway to Eagle Farm.
Set to face a capacity field in a 2200m BM75 (Race 6 – 4:37pm AEDT), he was an eye-catcher first up at Canterbury over 1900m with his work to the line over the final furlong excellent in limited room.
With further improvement to come as he keeps stepping up in trip, he appears one of the leading chances after continuing to please trainer Matthew Smith following his 3rd placing on February 21.
