Family resemblance

Co-trainer Ciaron Maher likes the look of the younger brother of G1 Caulfield Cup winner Jameka (Myboycharlie {Ire}), who made his first public appearance in a Cranbourne trial.

The 2-year-old Grandslam, ridden by Mark Zahra, finished third in Tuesday's 800 metre trial giving Maher confidence for the future.

"I've always thought he was the colt version of her, same attitude, same action," Maher said. "She was quite unique in her action and the way she moved. She covered the ground with relative ease and I was pleased that Mark said he gave him a similar feel."

Maher indicated he would be in no rush with Grandslam and said the colt may turn out to be a G1 Caulfield Guineas contender in the spring.

Kolding popular

G1 Epsom H. and Golden Eagle winner Kolding (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) is sitting in fourth spot in voting for the $5 million All-Star Mile and trainer Chris Waller hopes he can pick up another Group 1 win along the way.

Voting closes on February 16 and up to five wildcards will be revealed to make up the 15-horse field, including two win and you're in races - the G1 Futurity S. and G2 Blamey S.

Waller said Kolding, who was fourth when resuming in the G2 Expressway S., would have his next start in the Futurity on February 22. "I was very happy with the run," Waller told RSN927.

"Obviously 1200 metres is just a bit short for him and we went back from his wide barrier. I actually haven't seen the sectional times, but to my eye they looked pretty good.

"He's come through the race well and his next run will be at Caulfield just to give him the experience of running around there, which will be in the Futurity in two and a-half weeks' time. And then three weeks to the All-Star Mile."

Trip to suit

Tony McEvoy is looking forward to seeing Hey Doc (Duporth) step out to 1400 metres in the G1 CF Orr S. on Saturday.

Hey Doc will be running over the trip for the first time since finishing fourth in the G1 Memsie S. at Caulfield in the spring of 2017.

McEvoy, who trains in partnership with his son Calvin, is confident the gelding has tightened up from his recent second in the G1 Australia S. at The Valley last month and is keen to see how he fares over the longer distance.

"He's not a miler, but he was very good at 1400 metres. His win in the CS Hayes S. was a pretty impressive and very dominant," McEvoy said. "I think he'll be fine at 1400 and I am looking forward to seeing him out to that distance again."

Chairman re-elected

The Board of Directors of the Australian Turf Club has re-elected Chairman Matthew McGrath to the position for a further 12-month term.

Incumbent Vice-Chair Julia Ritchie was also re-elected to that position for a further 12 months at a meeting of the seven-member Australian Turf Club Board.

“I thank the Board and look forward to continuing to work with this strong and diverse group for the benefit of Australian Turf Club Members, our customers and the NSW racing industry,” McGrath said.

Potent partnership

New South Wales-based jockey Koby Jennings is aiming to maintain his perfect strike-rate on the John Sargent-trained Luvaluva (NZ) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) in the G1 Herbie Dyke S. at Te Rapa on Saturday.

The 24-year-old, who is originally from Taralgon in Victoria, has ridden the 5-year-old mare in her last two starts for two victories in the G3 Summer Cup and Listed January Cup.

“She is going really well,” he said. “Her first start she was in control of the race from a very long way out and she was never going to be beaten.

“It was a pretty similar scenario the start after. There were a bit of tactics going on in that race and she had to carry a bit of weight, but she was still too good.

“You have got to be confident when you are riding a mare going as well as she is. I am really looking forward to coming over to New Zealand,” he said.

Strong Derby hand

Not many trainers can say half of their racing team are Classic contenders, but that’s the case for Andrew Campbell.

The Cambridge conditioner still has five nominated for the G1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby with four being realistic chances of making the field.

The three that Campbell has set for the G2 Legacy Lodge Waikato Guineas on Saturday include Vladivostok (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}), Pimlico (NZ) (Proisir) and Peloton (NZ) (Charm Spirit {Ire}).

He is saving his pick of his 3-year-olds, Tibetan (NZ) (Shocking) for the G2 Jamieson Park Avondale Guineas at Ellerslie on Saturday week.

“I think he is a seriously good horse. More ground and even with a bit of cut out of the track would help him immensely,” Campbell said. “At this stage, for the Derby, he is the one I really like. On his pedigree he should see the distance out.”

Australian barriers

A new custom-made 20-stall starting gate made in Australia will be in place for this year's G1 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs to ensure a uniform start for the largest field in American horse racing.

The gate, which is being designed and constructed by Australian-based Steriline Racing, will eliminate the wide gap between gate 14 in the standard gate and 15 in the auxiliary gate of six stalls.

"We believe that a new custom-made, 20-stall starting gate will deliver a clean start for all horses and enhance safety for horses and riders in the Kentucky Derby," Mike Ziegler, executive director of racing for Churchill Downs, said,

The new gate, which is due to arrive in early April, will be utilised exclusively for the G1 Kentucky Derby.