Gem heading for Guineas
Greenpark Gem will be a force to be reckoned with next year, but she might still rise to a more immediate Group I challenge.
The talented filly remains in the mix for November’s gavelhouse.com New Zealand 1000 Guineas, a race her trainers Mandy and Matt Brown claimed last year with La Diosa.
The latter also won the Listed New Zealand Bloodstock Canterbury Belle Stakes prior to her classic success and on Saturday trainers Mandy and Matt Brown are hoping for a repeat from Greenpark Gem.
‘‘She’s a big filly, 16.1 hands, so she’s got a frame to fill out and she’s probably going to be better in the autumn, but we’ll keep her ticking along,’’ Mandy Brown said.
‘‘You only get one chance at the Guineas and it’s on our doorstep so we’re hopeful she can make it.
‘‘She’s always showed us a lot of ability, but she still has a way to go regarding her racing manners.’’
A daughter of Highly Recommended, Greenpark Gem was a trial winner before she made a successful debut at Riccarton earlier this month.
‘‘She was quite green in her trial and we honestly thought she would need the race day experience, although ability-wise we knew she could win,’’ Browne said.
‘‘I wish I had more by Highly Recommended in the stable, she’s a gorgeous filly with a very kind nature, but she is aggressive in her work.
‘‘If she runs well on Saturday she will head to Ashburton next,’’ Brown said, referring to the Listed John Griggs Stakes (1400m) on October 21.
Meanwhile, a start at Riccarton on Saturday remains in the balance for the Group I winner La Diosa.
Last season’s New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) winner will resume in the Canterbury Westland Racing Owners’ Association Open (1200m) if conditions improve.
‘‘She’s very well and we’re happy, but the big query is whether we start if it’s heavy,’’ Brown said.
‘‘We’d prefer the track to come back a bit for her. There are other options and we’re in no hurry.’’
La Diosa’s spring target is the Group II Coupland’s Bakeries Mile (1600m) on November 15.