Scott Base should storm home in the Guineas
punting
Horses coming back from foot issues could often be assumed to be vulnerable on the fitness scale.
If you have doubts Scott Base could fall into that group in today’s $100,000 Phil Cataldo Wellington Guineas you need to talk to co-trainer Johno Benner.
Scott Base (No1, R6) is a hot favourite despite having not raced for more than a month and Benner has not a worry in the world the handsome 3-year-old will lack fitness.
“His bruised heel has been well documented and cost him a run in the Derby, but he didn’t miss a day’s work. I’m not worried.”
Benner says Scott Base has the freshness to drop back from 2100m to today’s 1400m. “He’s really bouncing.” Trentham will lend itself to Scott Base’s ability to storm home over the closing stages of his races.
The greatly improved Astor (No7) looks the danger and Dama Zorro (No9) is an improving mare with a huge finishing burst.
Another short priced favourite that should assist punters home is
Felaar (No2, R4) in the Yealands Wines St Leger. His winning run at Ellerslie last start was truly fabulous, being held up at the 375m and storming past the opposition from the 150m. The stretch to 2500m should be no problem and level weights scale suits perfectly. Major Tom (No3) fought back remarkably well against talented Richie McHorse after leading at Ellerslie last week and the same level of courage would see him right in this.
Master Pat (No2, R2) comes in fresh and should race well in that state. He has his share of talent and Trentham suits his racing style.
Stolen Gem (No5, R3) made a huge impression winning on debut, running to the outside fence in the home straight and still taking a commanding victory. She could be very good.
Heroic Valour (No5, R7) finished close up in the Telegraph here in January and that’s good form for this race. He comes in nicely at 55.5kg and will offer the favourite Ferrando plenty of opposition.
Belle du Nord (No4, R8) remains out tip for the Oaks. The No 2 barrier draw will be critical and she should enjoy the run of the race just behind the pace. She has had her share of bad luck this campaign and the ducks all seem to be in a row here.
The chances of Savvy Coup (No2) will depend on the luck she gets from her wide barrier position. She does not lack ability.
Milseain (No6) is the value runner for exotic bettors.
At Rotorua, Soroc (No1, R5) won so well at Ellerslie last time it’s difficult to believe he cannot go close to making it a double. He has 60kg topweight and has a slightly awkward barrier, but he has ability and is worth following.
Galaxy Miss (No3, R7) could be a value investment late in the programme. She goes well when fresh from a break and the 3kg Kate Cowan takes off her will be valuable. All she needs is a decent break from her wide gate. (No4) Savvy Coup’s chances in the NZ Oaks will depend on the luck she gets from her wide barrier position.
Allan hits the 1000 mark
Tony Allan’s long wait for a milestone victory has come to an end. The Melbourne Cup-winning jockey’s comeback to riding this year was crowned at Te Aroha yesterday when he rode the 1000th New Zealand winner of his career. Allan made the trip north from Levin for just one ride and his dedication was rewarded when he was successful aboard the Clint Isdale-trained Aigne in a 2200m maiden. “It’s a relief and it couldn’t have come at a nicer place than Te Aroha,” Allan said. The 51-year-old won the Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) on giant New Zealand mare Empire Rose in 1988 and in 2005 bowed out after racking up 998 wins. Allan rode his first winner back on Mr Cool Boy at Waverley in June and, despite a lean spell since, he never doubted his own ability. “To get to 1000 wins was always the goal and I’m happy to have done it,” he said. “I’ve always believed I could do it, I’m very happy with my riding.”
Fursdon aiming for G1 glory
Matamata trainer Karen Fursdon is hoping to cap off a great week when she lines up Le Sablier in the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham today. Fursdon experienced success as an owner earlier this week when Le Sablier’s half-brother I’ll’ava’alf won by four and a half-lengths in the 3450m steeplechase at Warrnambool on Thursday. The Lucky Unicorn nineyear-old gelding put in a stoic effort to win for trainer Patrick Ryan Jr, who has big plans for the jumper bred by Fursdon along with her husband Kevin and Peter Stanaway. Fursdon paid the late entry fee for Le Sablier in the Group One classic. “Jonathan Parkes said if you want to go for the Oaks, there’s no reason why you can’t go for it.”