A KIWI TESTING GROUND
Flying away from Silicon Valley thinking
A step up in distance is expected to bring an improved showing from Age Of Fire in Saturday’s Rosehill Guineas (2000m).
He will be coming off an unplaced effort in his Australian debut in the Randwick Guineas (1600m), in which he found the competition too sharp over a mile.
‘‘I thought he was okay. He drew awkwardly, and he’s got another one (15) on Saturday, and had to go back in a quick race,’’ said Jamie Richards, who trains with Stephen Autridge.
‘‘His work since has been very good and 2000m is what he’s looking for now. He’s been out to the beach a couple of times and he’s enjoyed that.’’
Age Of Fire is on a path toward the A$2 million Australian Derby (2400 m ), also the goal of his stable mate Mongolia n conquer or, who will oppose him on Saturday.
‘‘He travelled over well and he’s been doing the same lead-up work as Age Of Fire,’’ Richards said.
‘‘He’s drawn awkwardly in 21 so he’ll need some luck. He’ll go back and should be doing his best work late.
‘‘We’re keeping our fingers crossed that the showers miss Rosehill.’’
Narrowly beaten in the New Zealand Derby (2400m) at his last appearance, Mongolian conquer or will be ridden by stable jockey Opie Bosson while Jason Collett will continue his association with Age Of Fire.
❚ Jordan Grob opened his winning account in New Zealand on Wednesday with success aboard the Tony Pike-trained Sacredvista at Te Teko.
The visiting Victorian apprentice, who is enjoying a spell with Michael Moroney and Pam Gerard’s Matamata stable, made the running aboard the daughter of Fastnet Rock, who kicked strongly in the run home to break her maiden in the Ash & Oak Arborists 3YO 1200m.
‘‘It’s good to get the first one, it’s taken a while,’’ Grob said. ‘‘She’s a nice filly going places and she’s in the right yard.’’
Pike said Sacredvista, a sister to Long Leaf and from the family of Terravista and Tiger Tees, had trialled well after a freshen-up since last racing.
‘‘She’s strengthening and she’s always showed plenty of ability. Jordan has been coming over to ride trackwork a couple of times a week and he was rewarded with the ride.’’
❚ Quality mare Montoya Star has breezed through her impressive Gr.3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m) victory at Trentham and is on target for higher honours.
‘‘Originally, we were going to run her in an $80,000 here at Riccarton on Saturday, but she’ll definitely be going to Te Aroha now,’’ co-trainer Michael Pitman said.
The Fiber Fresh New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes will be next on the list for the High Chaparral five-year-old.
‘‘She’s got an explosive turn of foot and I was very confident with her last Saturday,’’ Pitman said.
❚ Promising five-year-old Porcelain Princess has been set for the Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes (2000m) at Awapuni on April 6.
‘‘She’s going well and it looks a nice race for her,’’ said trainer Fraser Auret, who won the fillies and mares’ event in 2012 with Mini Pearl.
Porcelain Princess has won three of her last five starts.