Resumé-building campaign awaits Ruler
Co-trainer Peter Snowden has confirmed that gun colt Wild Ruler (Snitzel) will remain in work.
Snowden, who trains in partnership with his son Paul, is hopeful of securing a prized Group 1 for the Arrowfield Stud stallion prospect.
Wild Ruler
He said next month’s G1 Doomben 10,000 and the G1 The Goodwood H. at Morphettville have been touted as potential targets.
“He has only had three runs this autumn, he is going well in himself and is really getting that ‘steely’ edge to him now. I’d like to try and win a Group 1 with him,” Snowden told Racenet.
Pike eyes another interstate raid
Leading WA hoop William Pike will reunite with the Tony and Calvin McEvoy-trained Sisstar (Zoustar) when she steps out in Saturday week’s G1 Robert Sangster S. at Morphettville.
It has also been confirmed that Pike will partner talented Godolphin filly Flexible (Hallowed Crown) in the G1 Australasian Oaks on the same day.
Sisstar | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy
Maiden success for Ballarat-based Birnie
Ballarat-based trainer Tammy Birnie prepared her maiden winner at Geelong on Tuesday, when lightly raced galloper Sun Samurai (Fighting Sun) saluted at start number five.
Ridden by Neil Farley, the 4-year-old gelding settled outside the leader before letting down with a strong turn of foot en route to a 1l maiden romp.
Behemoth to fly fresh
Grand Syndicates Racing Manager Sam Lyons has confirmed the desire for star SA galloper Behemoth (All Too Hard) to be kept fresh for his tilt at next month's G1 Goodwood H. at Morphettville.
Lyons expects the dual Group 1 winner to make amends for his luckless fourth and second in 2019 and 2020.
Behemoth
"He is a different horse now than either of the times he ran in it previously," Lyons told Racing.com.
"This year, if he can draw a gate, he has got that tactical speed now, even at the 1200 metres. He can lob in that first, second or third pair and it's a nice position to be in."
Home option preferred
If Chris Waller gets his way, multiple Group 1 winner Verry Elleegant (NZ) (Zed {NZ}) will remain in Australia this year.
A number of her ownership group are keen to head to Europe to contest the G1 Prix de l‘Arc de Triomphe, but Waller believes putting those plans on ice until next year may be a better option.
“I know there is still a strong push from some of the owners at least to be able to get her over there, but I think the biggest challenge is what we have to sacrifice if she goes,” Waller told Racing.com.
“I would love to see her race there, but maybe this year could be a bit quick with COVID restrictions because it would be nice to be able to go and see her and go and train her.”
Allpress to Melbourne
Four-time New Zealand champion jockey Lisa Allpress will reunite with Aimee's Jewel (NZ) (Proisir) in Melbourne on May 1.
Allpress was the 4-year-old mare's regular rider in New Zealand, guiding her to three wins from her seven starts under the care of Stratford trainer Trudy Keegan. The highlight was her win in the G3 Canterbury Breeders' S. at Riccarton last November.
Lisa Allpress
Now with Kyneton trainer Charles Cassar, Aimee's Jewel has won two jump-outs in preparation for her Australian debut over 1300 metres at Sandown.
"I'm really excited to go over and ride her. She's a mare that has shown plenty of promise and she was able to pick up that Group 3 race at Riccarton. It will be great to carry on my association with her in Australia and I'm looking forward to the change in scenery."
Spring targets beckon
If Levante (NZ) (Proisir) is going to become a Group 1 winner, she’s going to have to wait until she’s a 5-year-old.
The exciting 4-year-old mare ended a good yet somewhat frustrating 2020/21 season when she finished fourth in the G1 Fiber Fresh New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ S. at Te Rapa.
Levante (NZ)
Ken Kelso, who trains Levante at Matamata with his wife Bev, said no plans had been made about what her potential targets would be next season.
“She’s spelling now. We haven’t at this stage decided what will happen with her next year. We will have a talk about it with her owners and make decisions a little bit later.”
Worthy cause
Fundraising activities will be launched to support Ellie Stokes, who in 2019 broke her back and severed her spinal cord in a trackwork fall.
She spent three weeks in intensive care and five months at Burwood Hospital in Christchurch and continues to receive treatment.
A home specially adapted to the needs of a wheelchair has been built, but there is a shortfall of NZ$80,000 in construction and associated costs.
The Ellie Stokes Trust has been established to help raise funds and any parties able to assist can contact Steve Thomas on +64 27 554 5626 or sthomas2@eqc.govt.nz.
Vale Lorna Brooke
British amateur jockey jumps Lorna Brooke passed away on Monday night after succumbing to injuries suffered in a fall on April 8.
The 37-year-old was treated for spinal injuries and subsequently placed in an induced coma that she never emerged from.
“Everybody at the BHA is devastated by this news. Lorna was a much-loved member of our sport, in which she and her family are steeped,” The chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority, Julie Harrington said.
“She was a proud competitor and somebody who was driven by an abundance of love not only for the sport but for the horses she competed with.”
OBS Sale returns to regular slot
The Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training, returns to its traditional timeslot when it begins its four-day run in Florida Tuesday.
OBS Director of Sales Tod Wojciechowski expects solid results on the back of buyer confidence at last month’s sales.
“There were a lot of people on the grounds and a lot of people hungry for horses in March. We hope that trend continues. And there seems to be a good feel on the grounds so far.”
