Richards bullish

Jamie Richards is confident of Te Akau Shark (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) holding his form into the G1 The Agency George Ryder S. at Rosehill.

He reported the last-start G1 Chipping Norton S. winner to be in fine fettle for Saturday’s test.

"He had a fairly quiet few days. He just feels his runs a little bit, but we were really happy with him towards the end of last week," Richards said.

"He has prepared well with some nice work on Saturday and Tuesday and he goes into the race in good shape."

Cummings respects visitor

James Cummings is happy with reigning G1 Ranvet S. champion Avilius (GB) (Pivotal {GB}), but he is watchful of Addeybb (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}).

"He's returned to Sydney in good shape. He looks likely to get his preferred soft ground and has had the desirable three runs to be fit for this assignment.

"I'd say that he sets up well to defend his Ranvet title, but he'll have to fend off a very classy Royal Ascot winner."

Addeybb won the Listed Wolferton Stakes during the Royal meeting at Ascot in June, beating Magic Wand (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), who went on to win the G1 Mackinnon S. in Melbourne last spring.

Australian contenders

Two members of the Roger James and Robert Wellwood are set to cross the Tasman.

The G1 New Zealand Derby winner Two Illicit (NZ) (Jimmy Choux {NZ}) and the multiple stakes placegetter Hasstobegood (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) will make the trip.

“Two Illicit is still on track for the G1 Vinery S. She has come through the Derby tremendously well. She has thrived since and is in wonderful order,” James said.

“I have also got Hasstobegood going to Melbourne and she will race in the Listed Bendigo Guineas next Saturday.”

Sheriff (NZ) (High Chaparral {Ire}) was originally earmarked to head to Australia as well, but he will stay at home and target the G2 City Of Palmerston North Awapuni Gold Cup.

Dabernig wary

Co-trainer Tom Dabernig is taking a cautious approach about the chances of Harlem (GB) (Champs Elysees {GB}) in the Listed Neds Mornington Cup.

"He's got mile and a-half form overseas, but his 2400-metre form in Australia has probably not been his best distance, but there have also been other factors,” he said. "His Sydney form for whatever reason is average and his wet track form is average.

"We're thinking drawn that gate (two) he likes to sit in a box-seat position and being on dry ground with the grounding for a mile-and-a-half, if we're going to do it, it might be the day. I go in with a bit of a reserved view because a couple of times he has been a bit disappointing."

Green light

There remain a few unknown variables to overcome, but the green light has been given by syndicate manager Adrian Clark to press on to the G1 Australian Oaks with exciting filly Jennifer Eccles (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}).

Clark met with trainer Shaune Ritchie on Friday afternoon and the pair have elected to press on with a preparation for the Australian feature after she pulled up well from her victory in the G1 New Zealand Oaks at Trentham last Saturday.

“We are going to press on. She is going to be trained as if she is going to Sydney for the Oaks. That is the plan at this stage,” Ritchie said. “If conditions change for travel, if we get a wet track over there, or anything like that, we won’t go.

“At this point we are going to press on for the next couple of weeks, with the AJC Oaks in-mind.”

Expecting more

Trainer Mike Moroney is tipping a much bolder showing from Hawker Hurricane (Deep Field) in the Listed Darby Munro S. following the 3-year-old’s unplaced run when resuming.

"He just blew out last start, it was my own fault. He went there with me only giving him one jump-out. I thought I'd get away with it, but we didn't and he just blew out,” Moroney said.

"He'll be much improved for Saturday and he has won right handed and he also handles give in the ground.”

Derby guide

Sherwood Forest (Fastnet Rock) will be at a distance short of his best in the G1 Rosehill Guineas, but if he’s in the frame then trainer Tony Pike’s G1 Australian Derby confidence will soar.

"If he can run top five on Saturday from that gate (13) he's going to be very, very hard to beat in the Derby over a mile and a-half," Pike said.

Sherwood Forest travelled from New Zealand earlier this week and is being looked after in Sydney by Pike's assistant Chris McNab, who arrived before coronavirus travel restrictions kicked in.

"He galloped here in New Zealand on Saturday and worked really well," Pike said. "He's travelled over in good order and Chris is pretty happy with the way he's settled in.

"We're looking forward to Saturday. The barrier draw is going to be a bit tricky from that 2000 metre start, but he normally rolls forward.”

Staying home

Trainer Chris Anderson has decided against a Sydney trip for his smart 3-year-old Profit (Dundeel {NZ}) who will run in Saturday’s Chairman's Club H. at Eagle Farm.

Anderson said he Profit would stay in Brisbane for the winter with the Group 1 Queensland Derby on May 26 his aim.

"I gave him a trial after he was second when first-up four weeks ago. He won the trial well and despite a big weight he should be hard to beat," Anderson said. "We thought about going interstate with him, but the winter looks the best option."

Strong hand

Leading trainer Tony Gollan will attack the Ascot Green H. at Eagle Farm on Saturday with numbers on his side.

He has accepted with 3-year-olds Air Spirit (Spirit Of Boom), Le Palmier (Spirit Of Boom), Leadership Spill (Top Echelon) and The Move (Hinchinbrook).

Gollan liked all four, but said The Move may prove to be the most progressive.

"I think he might have a good race in him. He won his most recent run before a spell and while the 1000 metres on Saturday might be short of his best I expect him to go well.”