Sydney back-up option for Volkstok’n’barrell
Ruakaka trainers Donna Logan and Chris Gibbs are covering their bases with Volkstok’n’barrell.
They have their stable star on target for the Group 1 Livamol Classic (2040m) at Hastings on Saturday, but have planned ahead in case wet weather ruins the opportunity to contest the weight-for-age event.
“He’s ready for Hastings as long as the rain stays away,” Logan said. “If it’s wet, and I hope it isn’t, he won’t run. We’ve looked at the option of running him in Sydney a week later. There’s a weight-for-age race over there that could suit him, but I’d prefer to start at Hastings.”
The Sydney option is the Group 3 Craven Plate (2000m) at Randwick on October 14 worth $A500,000.
Volkstok’n’barrell has had two previous trips to Sydney with the first one being a successful venture when winning the 2015 Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) then finishing third to Mongolian Khan in the Group 1 ATC Australian Derby (2400m). He returned to Sydney in the autumn of 2016 for the Group 1 Doncaster Handicap (1600m), but struck a soft track and finished 10th.
Volkstok’n’barrell finished fifth over 1200 metres when resuming at Ruakaka last month and, improved by that run, he was an eye-catching fifth to Gingernuts in the Group 1 Windsor Park Plate (1600m) on the second day of the Hawke’s Bay Carnival.
“I thought his run down there last time was very good,” Logan said. “The [slow] track was a bit of an issue and he hit a flat spot at the 600 metres. He couldn’t get out enough to get in the mix but finished it off well.”
Vinnie Colgan was reunited with Volkstok’n’barrell in the Windsor Park Plate and will ride him again on Saturday. “Vinnie gets on so well with him,” Logan said.