Aegon to stay unbeaten
Riccarton, G1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas, NZ$500,000, 1600m
Aegon (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}) puts his unbeaten record on the line here and he looks more than capable of successfully defending it following two impressive wins.
He was a dashing debut winner at Taupo before a break and then powered home late to land the G2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas over 1400 metres. The step up to a mile on a bigger track only serves to enhance his prospects.
Need I Say More (No Nay Never {USA}) has only suffered one defeat from five appearances and that came in the Hawke’s Bay Guineas when he drew an outside gate and had to race wide throughout. He will again jump from a wide gate so early luck will be crucial to his chances.
Bourbonaire (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) chased home Need I Say More in the G2 James & Annie Sarten Memorial and is another to have an awkward gate, but remains a leading player.
Marine (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) stepped up to a mile last time in the G3 War Decree S. and didn’t disappoint with a gallant showing for second after over-racing early. His chances will be greatly helped if he settles better in the run.
Aegon’s stablemate Unition (Fastnet Rock) was third in that race and was crowded in the closing stages so a better run makes him a definite place hope, while Rocket Spade (Fastnet Rock) is lightly tried, but would need to find a few lengths on his last-start fourth to be a winning prospect.
The sole filly in the line-up is Embers (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) and while her form is solid, she was runner-up in the G3 Barneswood Farm S. most recently, she’d still need to improve to be in the finish.
Mare in top form
Rosehill, G2 Hyland Race Colours Hot Danish S., $500,000, 1400m
Madam Rouge (Zoustar) performed well during her Victorian stay and was less than 2l off the winner in the G1 Sir Rupert Clarke S. and closed out her campaign with victory in the G2 Tristarc S. She is versatile with winning form on wet and dry ground.
Positive Peace (Stratum) was successful in the G3 Nivison S. from a handy gate and while she has a wider barrier this time she will still be a force to be reckoned with. Her course and distance statistics are also excellent.
Wandabaa (Wandjina) is nothing if not genuine and there’s every reason to expect another bold showing from her while a last-start miss aside. Jen Rules (Redoute’s Choice) has also been racing particularly well.
Subpoenaed (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) was below par in the Golden Eagle, but this trip should suit her better and Sweet Deal (Casino Prince) is another who loves this distance. Irithea (Snitzel) was unplaced resuming, but she has a fine second-up record to consider.
This Man Can
Ascot, G2 Lee Steere S., $250,000, 1400m
Red Can Man (Gingerbread Man) blew out when unplaced in the G3 Northerly S., but he gave a much better account of himself last time out in the G3 Asian Beau S.
The 4-year-old made all the running and was run down late to finish third and less than 1l off the winner. He has drawn an inside gate to suit his free-going style and with recent racing under his belt he should strip at peak.
Kementari
Kementari (Lonhro) is the interesting runner after competing in Melbourne where he was close up in a couple of strong races. He was fifth in the G1 Manikato S. and this company gives him a good opportunity to make a belated return to winning form.
Platoon (Playing God) was a strong second in the Northerly, which was won by longshot Taxagano (Rogano) who was then below par in the Asian Beau.
A fresh Arctic Stream (High Chaparral {Ire}) has a handy first-up record to consider while improvement can be expected from Kay Cee (Playing God) with the benefit of a resuming run. Laverrod (Toronado {Ire}) is progressive and well-seasoned for this test.
