Cummings bullish

Godolphin Australia’s Head Trainer James Cummings believes Bivouac (Exceed And Excel) can successfully rise to the challenge in Saturday’s G1 Darley VRC Sprint Classic at Flemington.

“He’s come through The Everest in sparkling shape and that contest is the benchmark for spring sprint form,” he said.

“We’ve kept him up to his training at Osborne Park to keep him sharp and focused. He looks exceptional and we’re confident he’s tuned up for a peak performance.”

Bivouac finished third two runs back in the G2 The Shorts before he came from the back of the field to finish runner-up in The Everest.

Mugatoo in right form

Mugatoo (Ire) (Henrythenavigator {USA}) will look to close out his campaign with another Group 1 victory when he steps out in the Seppelt Mackinnon S. at Flemington.

Successful in the G1 Metropolitan, he then performed with distinction when fourth in the G1 Cox Plate and trainer Kris Lees believed he could have finished closer with a more economical run.

The Cox Plate has been a strong form guide for the Mackinnon in recent years with seven of the past 10 winners, including Magic Wand (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) 12 months ago, to have come through the race.

Territories colt stars

Following Magic Millions' Gold Coast 2YOs In Training Sale breeze-up sessions at Warwick Farm, Seymour and the Gold Coast last month, 57 lots stepped out at Friday’s final breeze-up session ahead of Tuesday’s auction.

A colt by Territories (Ire) sparkled at the Gold Coast, clocking a slick 10.3s for his 200 metre breeze.

A member of the Symphony Lodge draft, Lot 45 is a half-brother to three winners, is from a 2-year-old winning Danehill Dancer (Ire) mare who hails from a Group 1 international family.

Others to impress included Lots 28, Baramul Stud’s El Roca colt, and 213, a daughter of Press Statement from Rothwell Park, who clocked 10.75s.

Rounding out the top five fastest times for the day were Lot 129, Raheen Stud’s Dissident colt at 10.76s and Lot 134, a son of Epaulette from A List Stud at 10.79s.

Perfect preparation

Ancestry (The Brothers War {USA}) has gone for a summer break after a perfect four-start campaign for trainer Phillip Stokes.

The quicksilver 4-year-old won all four of his starts, culminating in his success at Flemington on Thursday in the Listed Century S. As is his custom, he was quickly into stride and led all the way for regular rider Michael Poy.

Stokes said Ancestry, who has won eight of his 13 starts, was a specialist 1000-metre horse and had earned a spell ahead of an autumn preparation.

Sprinter set to resume

Group 1 performer Spring Heat (More Than Ready {USA}) will step out for the first time since winning the G3 Haunui Farm King’s Plate in February when she lines-up in the Listed Legacy Lodge Sprint at Te Rapa on Saturday.

“She is coming up really well. We have given her a couple of trials to fit her and hopefully have her in good shape for the weekend,” co-trainer Andrew Scott said.

While confident in his charge heading into Saturday, Scott said Spring Heat will take plenty of improvement from the race.

“She is still a wee bit of an improver following Saturday’s run, but the way she is coming up encourages us that she will have a good season,” he said.

Work to begin

Preparations for construction of New Zealand’s second synthetic track will begin at Riccarton Park Racecourse on November 30.

In May, the Government approved NZ$20 million from the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) to construct two new synthetic tracks, one at Awapuni (North Island) and the other at Riccarton Park (South Island).

Following discussions between New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and the Canterbury Jockey Club, arrangements have now been finalised to allow construction to begin with the new track expected to be operational by August 1, 2021.

CJC Chairman Gordon Fulton welcomed the announcement, saying the establishment of a synthetic racetrack inside the turf course proper at Riccarton Park is a significant advancement for training, trialling, and racing in the South.

Weatherley in top form

Jockey Sam Weatherley is making the most of his opportunities at present and heads to Riccarton on Saturday full of confidence.

The 21-year-old has ridden a double at each of Awapuni, Te Rapa and Hastings on the past three Saturdays and hopes to continue that winning streak this weekend.

“Things are going really well at the moment, but with the way racing is, you’ve got to keep the momentum up as it can all change within a heartbeat,” Weatherley said.

The Matamata hoop has a nice book of rides in Christchurch and has picked up the mount on the Stephen Marsh-trained Bourbonaire (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}), who will start third favourite in the G1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas.

“I haven’t had a sit on him but I’ve seen his races and seen what he’s done and he has really impressed me, especially his last two starts,” Weatherley said. “He all but won the G2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas and last start he chased home what will be the favourite on Saturday in Need I Say More.”

Haras de Bouquetot roster

An eight-strong roster at Haras de Bouquetot, anchored by Shalaa (Ire) and new recruit Wooded (Ire), both at €15,000 (AU$28,500), has been announced by Al Shaqab.

The former has already sired 16 winners, among them Australian Group 3 winner Shaquero. In addition, he has a quartet of stakes placed runners worldwide, including G3 Prix Eclipse bridesmaid Legal Attack (GB).

Wooded, who won the G1 Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp Longines on Arc Day, also won May’s G3 Prix Texanita. Toronado (Ire), sire of G2 July S. hero Tactical (GB), is priced at €8000 (AU$15,200), while Olympic Glory (Ire), sire of four Group winners is set at €5000 (AU$9500), as is Ruler Of The World (Ire).

There are a trio of sires at Bouquetot with their first 2-year-olds in 2021, and G1 Prix Jacques le Marois hero Al Wukair’s (Ire) fee is €6000 (AU$11,400). That is equalled by Zelzal (Fr) and Ectot (GB) will stand for €4000 (AU$7600).

Bary back trackside

Hastings trainer John Bary is looking forward to getting back trackside at Hastings on Sunday after an eight month absence.

While he spent much of that time away as a result of COVID-19 enforced measures, Bary underwent back surgery in September which resulted in him missing stable runner Callsign Mav’s (NZ) (Atlante) win the G1 Tarzino Trophy and placing in the G1 Windsor Park Plate.

“I am hoping to be on course on Sunday,” Bary said. “It has been about eight months since I was on course last on Oaks Day, so I am looking forward to it.”