Our stable representation have stepped up a gear in the past fortnight. Gottagetmywoohoo won nicely at Ruakaka as well as promising runs by Swissta & Alternative Fact.  Selfie also produced a nice effort finishing fourth at Hawkes Bay on an unsuitable track before the races were abandoned.
Gottagetmywoohoo reversed a New Zealand racing trend having won three races in the South Island before losing form before coming north and quickly regaining winning form. He is an imposing son of Iffraaj who we are looking forward to getting up in distance over the summer after his win at Ruakaka over 1600m.
Swissta was a luckless 5th in his 1400m race at Ruakaka, not getting clear in the straight after trailing the pacemakers throughout. He could be seen at Tauranga later in the month over 1600m if the track is good as he struggles on anything worse. The horse in now blooming and will have plenty of options over the summer.
Alternative Fact  was checked early over 1200m and made ground late, she quickly gave us the impression she is definitely in need of 1600m and further later in her 3yo season. Her next outing will be at Counties on the 27th over 1600m.

Selfie travelled to Hawkes Bay for what looked an ideal race last Saturday however the surface on the day was very shifty which he did not enjoy. He did will to finish 4th making the most of his ground over the final 400m. He has a number of upcoming 1200m race options coming up and could be seen over more ground later in the summer.

We trialled seven horses at Ruakaka on Tuesday and all seven got a lovely surface to stretch out on and we came away confident they will quickly fire on race day.
Untamed Diamond was forward for her trial over 1000m finishing a close 2nd ridden by our probationary apprentice Kavish Chowderry having his first trial ride. She relaxed outside the winning pace maker throughout and the pair eventually drew out by five lengths from the remainder of the field. She is due to resume at Rotorua on the 21st providing the track is no worse than dead.

Top Prospect also finished 2nd over 1000m relaxing well off the speed early. Once brought wide by Alysha he made good ground before peaking on his run at the post. He could be seen first up at Ellerslie on the 28th over 1400m.

Once Were Warriors was given an easy hit out over 1000m ridden by Alysha and well as Confederacy who made good ground late to finish 2nd over 1000m. This pair will make their race day debut for the stable at Avondale early in November.
Azaboy won his 1000m trial for Kavish showing his usual good barrier speed to lead throughout. He will return to the venue of his only start at Counties next Friday for a 3yo 1200m maiden. The Azamour gelding is locally owned and will have plenty of support on the day.

Mercy Hill and Zed – Just One Kiss trialled over 1200m. The leggy Zed gelding won his trial for Alysha while Mercy Hill went every bit as well finishing comfortably into 3rd place. The yet to be named Zed gelding was quite wayward in the straight initially then late in the straight he obviously saw the winning post and stretched out well to win going away. He may be trialled again for experience before a race debut in November over 1600m while Mercy Hill will resume her season at Avondale on 1st November over 1400m. She like a number of our 3yos will be seen at their best over more ground later in the season.

A couple to miss the Ruakaka trials were Time Lord & Cinematic with minor setbacks and have trials on their agenda at Waipa later next week along with Ventura who missed a planned race due to a foot abscess. All three are coming to hand well.
City Boy is back on track also after an issue, if his upcoming gallops are up to scratch he will resume at Counties on the 27th over 1200m. Also expected to be back on track at Counties will be Lupelani, she knocked a fetlock after finishing 4th at Counties, given a slow to dead surface next Friday we expect an honest effort from her in a fresh state.

The remainder of the older brigade in the stables including Moki, Artic Storm and unnamed 3yo geldings by Jimmy Choux, Any Suggestion and Postponed are continuing to pace work steadily as is the 615kg Duke of Marmalade – Midnight Senorita filly.

The stable 2yos are starting to bloom as we get more daylight hours going into the spring. Most of our babies will have a jump out on the course proper over 800m the Monday following our local meeting. By that stage they will have completed enough educational work to be accurately assessed, a couple of these could progress to racing prior to Christmas.

As we close in on the final days of September and still have heavy tracks to race on throughout the northern region I have opted to take the patient approach with the majority of the now 30 horses we have in training.

Our first batch of spring hopefuls had 800m jump outs on the course proper at Counties on Monday. Although the track was still heavy the jump outs were held wide on the outside of the track and all the horses were given hit outs without it being tough on them. All of our 10 runners went very well with Swissta winning the second heat against open horses and maiden filly Alternative Fact ridden by Alysha finishing 3rd less than a length behind a group winner. Swissta could head to Ruakaka next Wednesday for a R80 1400m and Alternative Fact could also run there in a maiden 1200m, wearing blinkers for her 3yo season debut.

Gottagetmywoohoo and City Boy finished with minor placings in their jump out, getting to the line strongly. Gottagetmywoohoo will be entered for the R75 1600m at Ruakaka and is very fit. City Boy will next be seen mid-October after a freshen up.
Once Were Warriors, a Sydney city placed maidener ran on strongly late in his jump out to finish 3rd for Alysha less than a length behind the promising Azaboy who led throughout travelling easily. He was ridden by Kavish Chowdhoory, our new probationary apprentice.
Kavish, originally from Mauritius, has been based at Warwick Farm in Sydney for the past 4 years gaining ample experience while riding work for Jason Coyle. He will be seen at Ruakaka trials on Tuesday 10th on a number of our runners.
Azaboy will trial at Ruakaka on the 10th over 1000m and Once Were Warriors could go straight to the races if a suitable surface is available.

Confederacy, an inexperienced 3yo by Swiss Ace showed natural pace to lead throughout in his jump out for Kavish. Mercy Hill in the same heat made up good ground to finish 2nd behind him for Alysha. Both these horses will trial at Ruakaka over 1200m and are coming to hand well.
Our final pair of maideners to quinella their jump out were Time Lord who travelled easily in front in his 800m heat while the late finishing 3yo Zed- Just One Kiss also looked good. Both of these won 2yo trials at Avondale in May before being spelled and will also trial at Ruakaka before debuting race day later in October.

Selfie missed a planned race at Counties on Sunday and will start next at Hawkes Bay on Saturday 7th over 1200m. He is in excellent order going into the spring after finishing 2nd in a fresh up state at Ruakaka mid-September.
Top Prospect and Untamed Diamond are both galloping well and will also head to Ruakaka trials. Top Prospect has a 1400 race at Ellerslie late in October on his radar. Untamed Diamond will head to Rotorua on the 21st October for the Lion Red Plate, track conditions suiting.

Ventura who won well at Counties in August, struggled on the very heavy surface there in mid-September finishing 4th. She has the option of R75 1600m races at either Ruakaka or Te Rapa next week. Getting back up to 1600m on a surface no worse than soft is what she needs.
Lupelani finished a brave 4th at Counties on a very testing surface mid-September after an excellent 2nd at Tauranga in August. Unfortunately she struck a fetlock badly at Counties and has been on the easy list for the past 3 weeks and has just resumed full training again.

Cinematic has been galloping well recently but has been slow to lose her winter coat. She needs a good surface to resume on and could trial at Ruakaka to get her to a competitive level first up.
With only a third of our team having been to the races, the majority are 2yos and untried 3yos so this is quite a rebuilding phase for the stable.

Artic Storm resumed recently along with Sydney placed maidener Moki. Both are in the early stages of their preps. 3yos to also resume recently include unnamed geldings Any Suggestion – Southern Touch, Jimmy Choux – Aeropraise,  Postponed – Strengthened  along with Duke of Marmalade – Midnight Senorita filly.

We have eight 2yos which are a month into their second preparations. The due to be named Swiss Ace – Musically & Jimmy Choux – Keffiya geldings have both had a couple of educational jump outs and could progress to trialling into October.
Fillies Ferlax – Boston Symphony & All American – Star Pupil have shown natural ability in faster workouts and are not far off progressing to a jump out along with the Swiss Ace- Uberfrau & Sepoy – Wowee fillies who are both lovely types.
Finally geldings owned by Keith Oddy to resume for their first serious preps, Reliable Man – Pyrate Princess, a half-brother to Artic Storm & Artic Wolf and the sale purchased Thewayouare – Go South who is from a family proven to leave 2yo winners and is Karaka Million eligible.
 

We have just completed an interesting season having good results with only 89 runners from our home base with 14 winners along with 37 place getters picking up prizemoney during the season, an outstanding return with almost every second runner picking up a cheque. We picked up $335,275.00 in stakes with Swissta winning the $100,000 G2 Great Northern Stakes and Top Prospect winning the $50,000 Listed Trevor Eagle Memorial, along with a G2 placing at Wellington. Both Swiss Ace geldings are back in the stable ticking over steadily. Swissta is set to resume early in September, with Top Prospect to resume later in the month.
To complement our New Zealand results we campaigned 8 horses in Sydney for the season. From 50 runners we picked up 11 wins and 19 placings with stake money of $A388,795.00.

Untamed Diamond was the stable flag bearer winning city races at Canterbury, Randwick and Rosehill while Segenhoe won 4 races over ground, three at provincial level and a city win at Warwick Farm.

Untamed Diamond was stakes placed in her last race at Doomben finishing 2nd in mares company before spelling and has since returned to our home base in Pukekohe. She will be set for a number of black type contests over the summer. The Snitzel mare now a 5 year old should be in for her best season now as a more mature type.

With the decision not to renew my Australian licence this season Segenhoe will transfer to Clare Cunningham’s stable at Warwick Farm. Clare is our son Jason’s partner and was involved in a number of the horses we had success with in Sydney before taking out her own trainers licence. She has had immediate success with Sir Barb winning twice in June and then her first city winner with Tenorino winning at Warwick Farm this week.

Clare will take over our promising stayer Just Shine & also Japhite who will stay on in Sydney.
Our Ventura, Florence Hill and Once Were Warriors have returned to New Zealand. Ventura is expected to race mid-August at Counties over 1400m while Florence Hill will line up at a similar time at Ruakaka over 1600m.
Once Were Warriors will make his New Zealand debut later in the spring. Moki will remain in Sydney until we decide on his future plans.

The 12 months spent competing on the NSW circuit has given us a great insight and the experience to know what horses are best sent to Sydney to race. It was an interesting challenge training in Sydney which I really enjoyed and with Clare now having a stable established we will have a good base to place horses in the future.

We go into the new season with twenty horses, 3yo and older in training and ten 2yos of which most have already been given a second preparation up to stronger speed and initial barrier education. These 2yos are presently spelling and will look to resume later in August with the more promising early types.

Lupelani a new comer to our stable, was our first runner for the season finishing a close 2nd at Tauranga over 1400m. Biggin Hill picked up further prizemoney finishing 4th in the open 1200m at Te Rapa on Saturday.
City Boy who is in good form will head to Taupo in a fortnight over 1200m. Selfie has been galloping well off a short break and is expected to resume early in September.

Three of our 2yos showed promise in races at the end of the season, Alternative Fact will trial at Avondale mid-August and resume race day early September. Azaboy, off a brief spell will be forward enough to resume in September along with Mercy Hill who has resumed a more mature type after a brief spell. Other 3yos we are looking forward to racing in the new season are Time Lord and a Zed gelding, both having won trials before being put aside to develop.
We also have the Guillotine – Aeropraise & Swiss Ace – Nana Jean geldings who have shown promise in local jump outs prior to spelling.

Judy & I are currently having a well-earned break overseas and will be fresh and focused early in September when a number of our horses step out to resume their new campaigns.

Our stable was recently represented by 5 horse’s trialing at Avondale on Tuesday on the home front with more activity from the Warwick Farm base.

Last Saturday at Kembla Grange Just Shine ( Shine On ) had his first start in Australia for us finishing a nice 3rd placing over 1600m.  He is expected to race next at Hawkesbury on 30th stepping up to 2000m.

Yesterday Segenhoe was brave finishing 2nd over 2000m at Hawkesbury and is a chance of racing next at Warwick Farm on Wednesday 21st over 2100m.

Moki will start at Kembla Grange this Tuesday over 1200m and the present stable star Untamed Diamond is starting tomorrow in a listed Mares race at Doomben.

Once Were Warriors is getting closer to race day fitness and will have another jump out next Friday along with Japhite who will be scratched from Goulburn on Monday having drawn 15 of 15 from the 1000m start.

Florence Hill has taken longer than expected to get through her first up run and will run next at Hawkesbury on Tuesday the 30th over 1400m.

Dark Secret was this week sold out of the stable after a couple of below par efforts recently. And Our Ventura is ticking over waiting for rain and will also have a jump out next Friday to keep her up to the mark.

Cartel finished 2nd in a 1000m trial at Avondale and could have a race at Ellerslie in the coming weeks while Biggin Hill who was to race tomorrow only to be scratched with a foot issue could also got to Ellerslie next Saturday over 1200m.

City Boy has been entered for Counties on Wednesday over 1200m and has trained on nicely from his first up effort.  Artic Storm will also be entered for Counties over 1200m but would need a decent surface to warrant starting. 

Son Taari and Lupelani are progressing nicely back to race day fitness with recent gallops, while we have spelled Cinematic and Selfie following their last race day placings.

Time Lord and the Zed - Just One Kiss gelding both impressively won their 1000m trials at Avondale on Tuesday along with Mercy Hill finishing a close up 3rd placing.  All were ridden by son in law Andrew Calder who was briefly home from riding in Macau for the birth of his twin boys Jax and Tye.

We also trialed the Any Suggestions – Southern Touch gelding over 1000m and he along with the Zed – Just One Kiss gelding have since been spelled.  Time Lord and Mercy Hill will race early in June
The due to be named Azamour – Cataari gelding missed a planned Avondale trial but is still on target to debut race day at Ellerslie early in June after winning his trial at Ellerslie a fortnight ago. 

The Postponed – Strengthened 2 year old gelding is progressing nicely in the sable and is due to step up to evens.

While a couple of yearling fillies the Ferlax – Boston Symphony and the Swiss Ace – Uberfrau returned back from the breakers and have done a few days at the track to complete their breaking in process.
 
 

Top Prospect and Selfie will line up today at Te Rapa and both look good chances for owner Arthur Avis. Top Prospect starts in the 3yo 1600m handicap. Alysha who is riding in great form at present will ride, back up to 1600m and barrier 5 should see him being very competitive. Selfie has also drawn nicely at barrier 2 in the R75 1200m. He will be ridden by Opie Bosson who retains the ride after his win at Counties last start. Both horses have worked extremely well during the week and we hope the track doesn’t deteriorate too much with the rain to affect their chances.

Biggin Hill will resume in the open sprint. Leith Innes is booked to ride and from barrier 1 he should get a good run in transit in the small field. He has had a good lead in to the race including a jump out at Counties last week but will still be improved from the outing. Cartell has been scratched this morning with a stone bruise.

Cinematic was also scratched from today and will be saved for the R75 1400m at Counties on Friday, along with City Boy who will resume over 1200m.  He was given a jump out last week to sharpen him up for his first start back this campaign. Irish Missile will also line up at Counties in the maiden 1200m, we would like to see her pick up a win before going to the upcoming NZ Bloodstock mixed sales the following week.

Following a sound trial Alternative Fact lined up in the 2yo fillies race at Avondale on Anzac day. She finished a creditable 5th after being parked wide throughout.  She will now head to the spelling paddock.

We jumped out 13 of our team last Thursday on the course proper over 800m including 8 two year olds, of these seven will look to trial at Ellerslie next Tuesday, these include  Potenchile, Mercy Hill, Time Lord, the Azamour - Cataari,  Zed – Just One Kiss, Any Suggestions –Southern Touch and Rock N Pop – Russian geldings. The Jimmy Choux - Golden Trophy also had a jump out and will now spell. Molly Polly who trialled at Avondale a fortnight ago will also head to Ellerslie to trial again.

Florence Hill stretched out lovely in her jump out and we plan to transfer her to our Sydney stable in the coming weeks. There are some nice fillies’ races for her through May and if she is competitive she could end up in Queensland for the winter carnival in June.

Artic Storm was also given a jump out and we are waiting for a suitable race over 1200m on reasonable ground for him to resume.
Luplani, Son Taari and stable new comer 2yo Postponed – Strengthened are all presently pace working quietly.
We also have yearling fillies by Sepoy and All American in the early stages of breaking in. Both fillies were purchased at the Inglis Sydney Classic Sale, the Sepoy – Wowee filly is owned by Les Archer’s partnership including Steve Donovan while Judy & I own the All American – Star Pupil filly and will eventually look to keep a share and form a partnership to race her.

The team in Sydney are all now racing or getting up to a racing level of fitness. Segenhoe has needed his last two races and will strip a fitter horse at Gosford this Thursday over 2100m. Moki will also line up at Gosford over 1100m. He was strong to the line in a grass jump out this week. Jason will ride both horses have recently returend from suspension.

Our Ventura finished a close up 5th at Kembla Grange last Saturday over 1600m after having to do a bit of work early. She appears to have come through the race well and will race next at Hawkesbury on Tuesday 9th again over 1600m.
Also heading to Hawkesbury on the 9th is Japhite, she will race over 1000m after an 800m jump out at Warwick Farm during the week. She is over the minor foot issues judging by the way she travelled in the jump out.
Untamed Diamond had an easy gallop on the grass on Friday, she looks on target for her next assignment at Scone on Saturday 13th May, a listed 1100m event on the two day Scone Cup carnival program. She has taken a little bit of time to get over her big win at Randwick so the timing of the Scone race looks ideal.

Dark Secret was given another trial at Warwick Farm last Friday as requested by stewards following his poor effort over ground at Gosford. He obviously doesn’t stay 2100m and will revert back to 1600m next time out at Gosford on 11th May.

Once Were Warriors was in need of his 800m trial at Warwick Farm last week and will trial again at Rosehill on Monday 8th before kicking off his campaign. Finally the renamed Just Shine (Shine On in NZ) was given a trial at Warwick Farm over 1200m last Friday then worked in company with Segenhoe over ground yesterday. He is coming to hand nicely for his Australian debut over 1600m early in May. We are looking forward to getting the Mastercraftsman gelding up to 2100m on softer ground heading into the winter.

This weekend we have an array of runners both here in New Zealand and Australia lining up.  Our first runners for the weekend will be in Sydney where Segenhoe and Our Ventura head to New Castle today for their respective races.  And back home on Sunday we have four of the team’s runners Selfie, Top Prospect, Cinematic and Irish Missile all lining up on our home track Counties.  

Irish Missile will be our first runner for the team at Counties.  She lines up in the maiden 3 year old 1200m even, and will jump from barrier 6 of 12 runners. Alysha retains the ride and we are hoping we are not going to be taken on in front like her previous race.  The filly had a nice hit out on Tuesday in company and is bright and well going into tomorrow’s race.

Selfie was scratched today from Te Rapa and instead lines up at Counties’ tomorrow in the R75 1200m event from barrier 4.  He has been schooled twice this week over the small logs as a way to change up his training regimen. The track at Counties has yet to be updated but would be nice to see it come back to a dead surface after the sunshine we are due to get this weekend.

Cinematic will also line up in the Rating 75 1200m benchmark, however she has drawn a little bit more awkwardly than Selfie in barrier 11 of 12.  She has continued to need her gallops leading up to this race, but has improved from her last start at Tauranga 2 weeks ago.

Top Prospect steps up to 1600m in the last race of the day. He carries top weight of 59.5kg however has drawn nicely in a good sized field.  He brings great form into this race having been narrowly beaten last start in the Group 2 Wellington Guineas won by Saracino who lines up as the favourite for the Group 2 Arrowfield 3 year old sprint at Sydney today. 

Cartell was withdrawn from Saturdays Te Rapa meeting based on the track conditions at acceptance time as well as a niggling foot injury he inflicted out in the paddock last weekend.  He will be kept at home until a suitable race is found for him.

Artic Storm who has been back in the stable now for a couple of weeks after having 10 days off. He had a quiet stretch out at evens this morning. 

Biggin Hill who has gotten through plenty of ground work since returning to the stable had his first stretch out this morning over 600m.

City Boy who is at a similar stage to Biggin Hill has had another evens workout this Saturday on the grass. Still carrying a nice amount of weight he is coming to hand nicely.

2 year olds Alternative Fact, Molly Polly and the Swiss Ace – Nana Jean colt where all due to trial at Avondale last Tuesday but due to the terrible weather the scheduled trial meeting had to be cancelled and was reprogrammed to Tuesday the 11th.  All three 2 year olds will gallop in company this morning and will now trial 800ms on Tuesday the 11th.

Jump outs scheduled for Monday on the course proper have now been put back till Tuesday the 18th and as a result the group of 2 years old we had down for the jump outs Time Lord, Any Suggestions – Southern Touch gelding, Azamour - Cataari gelding and Rock n Pop – Russian and the Jimmy Choux gelding will all now have more time to have another few gallops to better prepare for their jump out Tuesday week.  Majority of these 2 year old geldings where taken back through the practice starting gates Thursday morning, behaving well with no incidents.

2 year old fillies Mercy Hill and Potenchile will have another gallop in company over 800m in the morning.  They were also scheduled to jump out on Monday but instead will jump out on Tuesday 18th so that will suit them better been able to have another few gallops under their belt.

In Australia
Segenhoe steps outs today at Newcastle in race 6 at 4.59pm NZ time in a Rating 65 1850m race.  He does go into today’s race in great order and has had a nice ground work of two trials in preparation that should benefit the gelding. Mitchell Bell has been booked to ride.

Our Ventura galloped lovely during the week and looks in good order for her race today at Newcastle a fillies and mares class 2 event over 1400m at 3.04pm NZ time. She will jump from barrier 2 of 10 and hopefully relaxes lovely and finds the line strongly. 

Moki has been accepted for Gosford on Tuesday for a maiden 3 year old 1000m race and has a nice barrier of 3 with Mitchell Bell aboard.  The field is only small and hopefully Moki jumps reasonable well and is competitive to the line.

Dark Secret will also head to Gosford on Tuesday over 2100m with Jason aboard.  After his disappointing performance last start he was made to trial again on steward’s orders and won the trial confidently.  He seems to prefer some racing room as well as a dead surface, so fingers crossed the rain decides to stay away between now and Tuesday.

Shine On is slowly building upon his race day fitness.  He has been working at speed Wednesday and Saturday mornings and is learning to relax nicely with a mate.  Next Friday he will have an 800m jump out with 6 or 7 other horses and that hit out should bring him on enough to look at a maiden race 10 days later over 1400m.

Once Were Warriors has coped easily with his workouts last Saturday and this Wednesday at evens over 800m quickening up the last 400m.  He has now completed 10 weeks and will either have a jump out shortly or a trial before the end of April prior to racing.

Untamed Diamond won her trial over 800m yesterday at Warwick Farm on the pro ride track.  She was very fresh prior and jumped quickly to lead throughout.  It was a nice outing and blow out for the mare.  She will gallop on the grass Tuesday morning and should be in good order for her next start Saturday at Randwick for a 1200m event.

Japhite was given a 1000m workout at evens in company Wednesday morning and is due a similar workout tomorrow galloping the final 400m of the work.  She is moving well in the flip flops shoes and is closer to resuming race day.

With no runners this weekend, we will take some time to enjoy this sunny weather before we are hit with more rain Sunday.

Last Saturday Cinematic resumed in a fresh up state to run third behind the very smart winning mare The Lion Tamer in the Rating 85 1300m fillies and mares event.  She has had a quiet week since and seems bright and well.  She will next head to Te Aroha next Saturday 8th over 1400m.

Selfie also raced last Saturday at Tauranga and was lost early for speed settling at the back of the field.  He was brought to the outside of runners turning for home but lost concentration and did not finish the race of like he should of. He has come through the race unaffected and was popped over some pony logs this morning as an addition to his training.

Irish Missile continues to do well since her last start 11 days ago. She worked at speed this morning and will do similar work again on Tuesday.  At this stage the filly will head back to Counties on Sunday the 9th of April for a similar race.

Top Prospect had an easy gallop this morning over 800m and was lovely and relaxed in his work.  He looks on target for his next assignment at Counties on the 9th over 1400m. 

Cartell was accepted for Ellerslie today but with the large amount of rain we have received in the last few days he was scratched.  He instead will look at Te Aroha next Saturday for a 1200m Rating 85 event.

Alternative Fact and Molly Polly galloped in company this morning over 600m and both worked nicely to the line.  The 2 year old fillies look on target for their first trial over 800m at Avondale this Tuesday.  Fingers crossed the rain we are meant to receive is not as heavy as they predict.  The Swiss Ace – Nana Jean colt will also head to the trials on Tuesday as well for an 800m trial. 

Mercy Hill and Potenchile galloped in company this morning and slowly losing their bellies. Both 2 year old fillies look on target towards jump outs on the course proper on Monday the 10th.

Any Suggestions – Southern Touch, Time lord, Azamour - Cataari and Rock n Pop – Russian and the Jimmy Choux gelding who are all at similar stages of their preparation had barrier practice in the last week through the wooden starting gates.  They will all have more practice this Thursday through the main starting gates and if satisfied with there progress they will jump out on the course proper Monday the 10th as well.

Artic Storm has returned to the stable after having 12 days off.

In Australia
Segenhoe and Moki where both down to race at Gosford on Thursday but the meeting was cancelled shortly before the first race when a track inspection was undertaken.  Both geldings had already arrived on course so they had a trip away.  It was decided the Gosford meeting would be transferred to the next day but Segenhoe and Moki where scratched as the track was still not ideal in its heavy state.  Segenhoe will instead head to Newcastle next Saturday for a Benchmark 65 event over 1850m.  While Moki has a few options coming up that we have yet to confirm.

Dark Secret has a few race options open to him in the coming weeks.  Where he will start will be dictated to us by the weather.  The gelding since his trial win last Friday has done well and will be nice to see him back at the races in this competitive state.
 
Our Ventura is moving freely again after she had some tenderness in a near hind foot that caused her scratching from her scheduled race the week prior.  She will gallop on the grass next Tuesday and if happy with her work will nominate her at Newcastle the 8th of April over 1400m.

Japhite was given an evens workout solo on Wednesday and due to work 800m at evens solo in the morning.  Her next outing will be decided upon in the coming week.

Untamed Diamond has been working nicely in her fast work on the pro ride track. She will head to the trials next Friday as a blowout before racing her at Randwick on Saturday the 15th.

Shine On stepping up to faster work during the week and over further distance.  If forward enough he will have a jump out on the course proper on Friday the 7th before looking for a nice 1400m event to kick off his Sydney racing career.

Once Were Warriors has now completed 8 weeks of groundwork and is stepping up to more speed work.  He is coming to hand nicely making good progress to full fitness

Today we have two runners lining up at Tauranga.  The first been Cinematic who is fresh up in race 3 a Rating 85 fillies and mares benchmark over 1300m. She goes into the race with a nice light weight of 54kgs and from her inside barrier draw of 1 Kelly McCulloch who takes the reins should receive a lovely trip.  Selfie is our second runner for the day and has the addition of blinkers in race 7.  He has drawn barrier 6 of 12 runners and if his previous last two gallops are anything to go off we except a solid performance today.  Fingers crossed the rain decides to stay away.
 
We had a relatively good weekend last Saturday with two second placings.  Top Prospect and Swissta made the trip down to Wellington for the Group 2 Guineas over 1400m. Top Prospect ran a huge race to narrowly miss winning running second to the very smart 3 year old Saracino. While Swissta performed well below par and did not show his usual speed. It has been decided among connections and Richard that Swissta will be put aside for a much earned rest.  While Top Prospect will press on for a 1600m event in two weeks’ time,
 
Cartell went his usual brave race trying very hard last Saturday running second behind Irish Moon who was a decisive in winning by an easy 2 length margin.  He has had a quiet week since and may look at heading to Ellerslie for an open 1200m event next Saturday.
 
Irish Missile had her fresh up race last Wednesday at Counties in a maiden 3year old 1200m event running 3rd after jumping leading and been attacked in front.  She held on well but was collared late.  She may look at going back to Counties on the 9th of April on Sunday if the filly comes through this race well.
 
Florence Hill has taken a bit longer to overcome the kick she received a week ago than initially anticipated.  She is back to normal work now and is moving freely.
 
On Thursday morning we saw three of the stables 2 year olds have a 600m jump out on the course proper.  In the same heat we had Alternative Fact, Swiss Ace- Nana Jean colt and the Guillotine – Aeropraise gelding.  Alternative Fact won the jump out and was very professional in her performance, she will head to the trials at Avondale on Tuesday the 4th for an 800m 2year old event.
The Swiss Ace- Nana Jean colt was professional in his 600m jump out racing between runners nicely and found the line strongly after being allowed to settle back early.  He too will head to the trials at Avondale on Tuesday the 4th over 800m. While Guillotine – Aeropraise gelding ran an encouraging 5th doing everything that was expected of him and will head to the paddock for a break.
 
Molly Polly who is at a similar stage to Alternative Fact will also look at having a trial at Avondale on Tuesday 4th over 800m. 
 
Mercy Hill and Potenchile worked in company over 500m at evens Thursday morning and both fillies where a lot more forward in their work compared to their fast work in their previous preparation.  They will do similar work next Wednesday and will gallop in company over 600m next Saturday.
 
2 year olds Time Lord, Azamour gelding, Pop n Rock gelding and the Any suggestions gelding worked in pairs of two in company at evens speed last Thursday over 500m and they all did well enough in their respective workouts.  They will do similar work next Wednesday and then gallop in company the following Saturday over 600m.
 
Biggin Hill continues to make nice progress.  He appears to have not lost much tone just fitness during his 6 week break.
 
City Boy has been back in training now for eight weeks now will be due a stretch out at ¾ speed solo over 600m next Saturday.
 
In Australia
 
Due to the rain Sydney has received the Wyong meeting scheduled for last Sunday was abandoned.  So alternatively Segenhoe was taken back to the trials yesterday at Warwick Farm for an 1175m trial on the Proride surface.  He placed second and had a nice hit out.  His next outing will be decided upon in the coming days.
 Trial replay
http://racing.racingnsw.com.au/FreeFields/VideoResult.aspx?MeetDate=2017Mar24&VenueCode=ODgyMDAw&RaceNumber=1&MeetingCategory=Trial&VideoFileType=FullReplay

Japhite has had a good week since she has had some adjustments to her shoeing.  The filly will step back up to fast work next week.
 
Untamed Diamond was not accepted for Rosehill today as the weather has still been wet this week with today’s meeting recorded as a heavy surface.  She is not comfortable on a surface worse than dead to better side of soft so it is not fair to send the gutsy mare around on such testing surfaces. Options are been thought through for where she will next head too.
 
Shine On worked at speed on Wednesday and galloped this morning on the Proride surface.  The boys where happy with his work.  He is closer to resuming at the races.
 
Our Ventura has been entered for a 1300m race at Newcastle on Wednesday.  The mare is very well since her last start after a testing run on a heavy track. It would be ideal if the track stays about a soft 5 as this surface is the Iffraaj’s mares liking.
 
Moki has been nominated for Gosford next Thursday in both the 1000m and 1100m maiden events, he galloped in company with Our Ventura this morning and worked nicely and will be decided upon today what race he will contest.
 
Dark Secret after his below par performance at Hawkesbury last start needed to trial again to stewards satisfactory.  He was taken back to the Warwick Farm trials yesterday over 1175m on the proride with the addition of a tongue tie, which did appear to help as he won his heat.  If stewards are satisfied he will be allowed to race again.  
 Trial replay
http://racing.racingnsw.com.au/FreeFields/VideoResult.aspx?MeetDate=2017Mar24&VenueCode=ODgyMDAw&RaceNumber=3&MeetingCategory=Trial&VideoFileType=FullReplay

Once Were Warriors has now completed 8 weeks back in training and is due to have a solo stretch out at evens over 600m Saturday morning. 
 
 

This weekend we have 4 stable runners representing the stable with Cartell been the first to kick off at Te Rapa in race 4 an open 1200m event. The stable veteran has drawn a nice barrier alley of 3 from 6 and has the services of jockey Vinnie Colgan today.  Following this at 3.21pm at the premier meeting of Trentham we will see Top Prospect and Swissta contest the Group 2 Wellington Guineas for 3 year olds over 1400m.  And on Sunday weather permitting Segenhoe will round of our weekend of stable runners at his favourite track of Wyong for a Rating 65 2100m event.

Both Swissta and Top Prospect travelled south Friday morning where they stayed the night at Wellfield Stud before heading onto Wellington today.  With a slightly wide barrier draw of 10 of 13 runners means Swissta’s jockey Kelly McCulloch will need to make a decision on where to place the gelding depending on how well he clears the gates.  Top Prospect has a more favourable barrier draw of 5 and ideally would like to see him positioned behind the leading speed horses.  Both Swiss Ace geldings go into today’s race very well and with the track coming back to a dead 5 the surface should be of no concern to them.

Selfie had a good hit out on the grass Tuesday morning in company over 800m and galloped solo this morning with the blinkers on, travelling nice to the line.  He looks on target for next Saturday the 25th for a R75 1200m event

Cinematic and Irish Missile galloped in company Tuesday morning over 800m and did similar work again this morning.  Irish Missile travelled strongly to the line in both workouts and looks well placed for her targeted race at Counties next Wednesday a 3 year old 1200m maiden with Alysha aboard.  Cinematic’s fast work continues to improve and she will have another gallop Tuesday next week before been nominated for next Saturday at Tauranga on the 25th for either the Rating 75 1200m or the F&M Rating 85 1300m event.

Florence Hill has had a quiet week after she was kicked in the hind quarter while pace working. She should be fine to resume normal work next week.

Alternative Fact was due to have her first trial last Tuesday at the Avondale meeting but it was decided the 2 year old Medaglia d’Oro filly wouldn’t appreciate the heavy surface.  Instead she galloped in company this morning with fellow stable 2 year olds the Guillotine – Aeropraise gelding and Swiss Ace – Nana Jean colt who will all have a jump out on the course proper next Thursday over 600m.  These jump outs will be starting at 8am.

2 year old fillies Mercy Hill and Potenchile as well at 2 year old geldings Time Lord, Azamour, Any Suggestions and the Rock n Pop gelding are all not far away from having a quiet a ¾ speed workout next week.

Biggin Hill and Son Taari both resumed back in the stable over the last few weeks after having 6 to 8 weeks off.  Both geldings are happy to be back into the stable and the routine they know so well

In Australia

Segenhoe has been accepted for the Wyong meeting tomorrow, however with the track currently been rated a heavy 10 it would need to improve to a dead 6 at least for him to run otherwise he will be kept at home until a more suitable surface is found.

Dark Secret was very disappointing at Hawkesbury last Monday. He jumped well from a good draw but failed to hold his spot to sit 4 back on the fence and eventually tail of down the straight.  He pulled up well after the race showing no apparent reason for his poor performance.  Under stewards order he will need to trial again before racing and will do so at Warwick Farm next Friday the 24th before heading to Wyong on the 6th of April for another 2100m event.

Japhite also raced at Hawkesbury last Monday and she tried hard to finish 3rd of 6 runners looking for more ground.  The filly pulled up quite tender following her race and has since had some shoe adjustments.  She has had a quiet week since and will resume pace work on the track next week.

Moki was due to have a jump out on the course proper yesterday however due to the heavy rain Sydney has received the jump outs were cancelled.  He instead will gallop this morning and in company on Tuesday with Untamed Diamond on the course proper.  And if his work is satisfactory he will either head to Nowra for a maiden 1200m event on the 26th March or to Mussellbrook the same day for a 1000m event.

Untamed Diamond is been aimed at Rosehill next Saturday the 25th for a Group 3 1200m race with the hope the tracks will come back to a more reasonable surface in the coming week.  The mare is well and her work has been encouraging, will be nice to see her step out again.

Our Ventura after initially been quite flat following her race at Warwick Farm last week on the testing surface has now picked up and resumed normal work. She will gallop solo on Tuesday and if they are happy with she too will also be entered for Sunday the 26th at Nowra in a Class 3 1400m race and at Mussellbrook a class 2 1500m event.

Shine On had another stretch out at evens over 600m this morning.  He is continuing to bloom with each week he is in Sydney.  Will do stronger work with him again next week.

Once Were Warriors continues to tick over steadily, pace working quietly on the proride track each day. 

 
On Wednesday we saw Artic Storm contest the Rating 65 1200m event at Avondale, however by the time his race was run later in the day the track had been downgraded to a heavy 10.  He jumped and raced to the lead but weakened out in the concluding 200metres to finish 4th out of 6 runners not handling the heavy going.  He will now be given a small break for a few weeks.
Race replay seen through the link http://www.nzracing.co.nz/RaceInfo/45447/7/Race-Detail.aspx
 
Cinematic galloped in company with Cartell Tuesday morning on the Counties course proper and was found to be short of fitness.  She was due to race at Ellerslie this weekend but will instead head to Tauranga on Saturday the 25th of March.  Cartell was also scheduled to race at Ellerslie today but with the large amount of rain Auckland has received this week he wasn’t nominated and will line up at Te Rapa next Saturday for an open 1200m race.
 
Selfie went an honest race last Saturday at Ellerslie finishing a close 3rd in the first event of the day. The race was run very fast in the first half and he along with the eventual winner came from back off to finish strongly over the top.  He appears bright and happy following his race and will next race at Tauranga on the 25th for a Rating 75 1200m where he will also have the addition of blinkers as a mean to help keep him focused when under pressure.
 
Swissta and Top Prospect both galloped nicely in company Tuesday morning on the course proper. Both Swiss Ace geldings will be heading to the Wellington Guineas next Saturday over 1400m a group 2 event for 3 Year olds.  Swissta has not raced since Karaka Millions night more than 6 weeks ago so has had a nice freshen up coming into the Guineas.  While Top Prospect has had 2 races in the last month to help prepare him after his long break.
 
The 3 year old fillies Irish Missile and Florence Hill are making nice progress at their respective stages.  Irish Missile looks on target for her fresh up race at Counties on the 22nd of March.
 
2 year old filly Molly Polly will not trial on Tuesday, however if the weather permits it her work mate 2 year old filly Alternative Fact will head to the Avondale trials for her first educational hitout.
 
Swiss Ace – Nana Jean colt continues to make nice progress.  As do the other 2 year olds Guillotine and Zed gelding who all may look at having a jump out in the coming weeks.  
 
The remainder of the team who are all at different stages in their preparations are not yet up to any sort of fast work but are working nicely with the stages they are at. With the torrential rain Auckland has received in the last 4 days has not made work easy but all horses and staff have done well.
 
In Australia
 
Our Ventura had her fresh up run at Warwick Farm on Wednesday on a very wet surface with more rain descending on the day. The mare was keen and failed to completely switch off for her jockey Jay Ford, and as a result on the very testing surface failed to finish the race off.  The mare was very tired following and has had a quiet few days since.  A decision on where she will next race will be made in the coming week all depending on how she has trained on from her race on Wednesday.
Race replay of Our Ventura http://racing.racingnsw.com.au/FreeFields/VideoResult.aspx?MeetDate=2017Mar08&VenueCode=MzIzNDAw&RaceNumber=9&MeetingCategory=Professional&VideoFileType=FullReplay
 
Segenhoe won his 1200m trial easily today at Warwick Farm on the heavy surface in the first heat of the day where he cruised along in front.  Jason gave him a good stretch out over the final 600m running to trial out strongly to the line.  He had a good blow following which we expected given the break he has had between runs due to a minor foot setback.  If all is well he may look at heading to Wyong next Sunday for a 2100m event. That is dependent on the weather in Sydney and how much rain they receive in the coming week.
Trial replay of Segenhoe http://racing.racingnsw.com.au/FreeFields/VideoResult.aspx?MeetDate=2017Mar09&VenueCode=MjU3MDQw&RaceNumber=1&MeetingCategory=Trial&VideoFileType=FullReplay
 
Dark Secrets work has been encouraging leading up to his race at Hawkesbury this Monday.  He will line up in race 8 run at 7.50 pm NZ time a Rating 65 handicap over 2000m.  Drawn barrier 2 of 14 in the large field with Jason retaining the ride.  However Sydney like Auckland has received a lot of heavy rain of late with more scheduled to fall on the weekend.  A final decision will be made about him starting after final scratchings and track grading’s have been posted, as he does not appreciate a heavy surface.
 
Japhite has also been entered for Hawkesbury on Monday in race 1 over 1000m where she has drawn 4 of 8 runners, run at 3.40 pm NZ time. The filly was given a gallop in company Wednesday morning on the heavy course proper at Warwick Farm and with the of the tongue tie worked nicely to the line, although she did not get a lot of the heavy track.  A decision on her starting on Monday will also be made once final scratching’s and track grading has been posted.  
 
Untamed Diamond has been ticking along nicely.  With the wet weather Sydney has received in the last few weeks it has meant we have kept the mare at home as she has not performed well on rain affected surfaces.  At this stage whether permitting she will next head to Rosehill on the 25th for a Group 3 event over 1200m worth $150,000
 
Shine On worked at evens this morning over 500m and will do similar work on Wednesday and gallop Saturday.  Since his arrival in Sydney he has put on weight and is looking really good under saddle.  As he continues to progress racing plans will be made shortly.
 
Moki is progressing nicely, he will look at having a jump out next Friday on the grass over 800m and beyond this race a week later.
 
Once Were Warriors has now completed 5 weeks back in work and is coming along nicely.