Colgan hopes to lock in win on one of his favourites
Vinnie Colgan is relishing his opportunity to get back aboard one of his group one favourites — Volkstok’n’barrell — at Te Rapa today.
The six- time New Zealand Derby- winning jockey hasn’t ridden Volkstok’n’barrell in New Zealand since his back- to- back group one double of the Haunui Farm WFA Classic ( 1600m) at Otaki and New Zealand Stakes ( 2000m) at Ellerslie last autumn.
“I’m happy to be back on the old fella,” Colgan said. “He’s won some The three winners he achieved from the six races at Ellerslie on Wednesday night were the product of absolute brilliance.
During the week, Waddell landed the plum ride on the Baker/ Forsmantrained Camino Rocoso for the Avondale Guineas and Vodafone Derby, when his winning rider at Ellerslie two weeks ago, Hugh Bowman, was required in Australia.
Don’t be surprised if Waddell cleans up at Te Rapa — he has a great book of rides. He can win the second on Oriental Dragon ( No1, R2) if he can help overcome an awkwardly wide gate. The youngster finished second last time to class act Felton Road, which is a great formline for this.
The first i s an odd betting race good races and it’s worked out well with Matt Cameron happy to stick with Jon Snow for this race.”
Volkstok’n’barrell was the TAB’s $ 5.50 third favourite for the Herbie Dyke Stakes ( 2000m) on Thursday, behind three- year- old Savile Row at $ 3.70 and group one Zabeel Classic winner Consensus at $ 4.50.
“The two three- year- olds [ Savile Row and Jon Snow] will be tough to beat and Consensus is racing well but my horse is a good, fit horse and he’ll run a strong race,” Colgan said.
“With Saint Emilion, Authentic given it is a small field. Zacada ( No3, R1) has the recent form on the board to say he will go close. Snow Secret ( No1) was luckless in the Wellington Cup last start, but a mare giving a gelding like Zacada 2.5kg in a staying test is a big ask. Paddy and Jon Snow in there, there should be a strong pace in the race and my bloke drawing three is ideal, especially over 2000m at Te Rapa.
“We’ll jump and hold our ground for half a furlong to hold a position but that’s a lot better than having to race three wide and try and get in.”
Colgan has ridden the five- yearold gelding on four occasions and that inside knowledge of the horse could prove the difference between winning and defeat today.
“Everything has to go right for him. He can be a bit flat- footed
Race 3 i s a cracker of a race. Waddell can be in this too aboard Enough ( No3). He was surprisingly beaten out of the money when resuming, but his work had been terrific and he has enough class to poke his nose in here.
One he will have to cope with is Miss Wilson ( No7). She looked a world- beater before going to Australia to be trained. Her overall for there was below par and she returned to win first- up at Trentham. You can see her being on the pace, or in front, here and being difficult to pull back. One of the best races of the day.
There i s little more you can say about Volpe Veloce ( No1, R4). She is the best example of how top class horses find a way to win when it appears they can’t. That was the case going for home so you have to be ready for that,” Colgan said.
“He can get off the bridle from the 600m to the 400m when they quicken but as long as you don’t miss that, he’ll get to the line strongly. If everything goes right to that point, he’ll be dangerous up the straight.”
Colgan could shoot for a group one double later in the card when he rides Natuzzi in the NRM Sprint ( 1400m).
He has ridden the eight- year- old in his past two starts — a win in the in the Royal Stakes at Ellerslie. At No7, she has drawn a few spots out beyond where you would like to see her at the tricky 2000m starting point, but it appears only bad luck can overcome her absolute determination to win.
Devise ( No3) and stablemates Nicoletta ( No2) and Bonneval ( No5) are the dangers.
Waddell just missed at Trentham last start on Crookshanks ( No10, R5) and can go one better here. She i s already a winner here. Endean Express ( No12) did not get all favours last time.
The biggie, the $ 400,000 Herbie Dyke Stakes, is a tricky race, leading to the 3- year- olds Savile Row ( No10, R6) and Jon Snow ( No11) being the dangers to the likes of Volkstok’n’barrell ( No1). The weight advantage Concorde Handicap ( 1200m) at Ellerslie and fourth in the Railway Stakes ( 1200m) at the same track.
“His Concorde win was pretty good but he felt like he needed the Railway run. The step up to 1400m will really suit him. With the pace to suit, he’s got a deadly finish. He’s drawn two but I won’t be pushing him too much early.” Natuzzi was on the seventh line of betting with TAB bookmakers on Thursday at $ 11 in a market headed Kawi at $ 3.90 and Railway winner Start Wondering at $ 5. they get ( although less than it used to be) puts them in the fight.
The Trentham effort of Aotearower ( No3, R7) puts her right in contention for this race. As a back runner she will be suited by the small field. Waddell rides the best value runner in Stylish Attack ( No6).
Michael Walker comes into play on the favourite Kawi ( No1, R8). As stated in yesterday’s Herald, trainer Allan Sharrock is unsure of the reason for Kawi’s sub- standard three runs in Perth but says he is absolutely happy with his star’s condition.
When that is the case Kawi rarely misses. Start Wondering ( No2) is similarly all class and heart. He looks the danger. The last is a tough race, but Jason Waddell will ride the favourite Rosso Corsa ( No2) and can win.