It has been a busy week with the commencement of the 2017 karaka Yealring Sales.  Richard and Judy have been busy inspecting yearlings and have brought 4 lovely individuals who will be new additions to the stable. Lot 466 Swiss Ace – Uberfrau filly and Lot 889 Swiss Ace – Musically Colt both have shares availbale for purchase.  There is still one day left of the Karaka Sales and following this Richard and Judy will then head to Sydney for the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale to purchase more yearlings to join the New Zealand team

Swissta went an honest race last Sunday in the NZB Insurance Karaka 3 year old mile.  From his 1 barrier draw he was ridden to hold the lead, a move that in hindsight may not have been to his liking.  He was brave in his efforts but weakened over the concluding stages.  He has had a quiet week following and will continue on toward the Avondale Guineas on the 18th of February if connections are happy with his work in the next 10 days.

Top Prospect resumes today at Te Rapa in race 6, a Rating 75 1600m.  The 3 year old Swiss Ace gelding will be having his first start in over 2 months and goes into tomorrow’s race in good order.  He will jump from barrier 7 of 9, and will carry 3 kilos more than the next top rated horse in the field.  It will be nice to see him settle in a comfortable position from his draw to ensure he is working home strongly.

Selfie was disappointing at Counties last Saturday. He again failed to clear the gates and ended up settling last where he was at times ungenerous in his racing.  He came home ok but did not demonstrate his usual blistering finish.  Following this he has had a quiet week and his next race assignment will be decided upon in the coming weeks

Artic Storm was very green in his racing manners last Sunday in the special conditions 1200m event.  He worked hard from his wide draw to take the lead where he failed to settle in the running.  He has had a quiet week since and appears to be holding his weight and eating well.  His next race has yet to be decided, with a limited of race options available.

Cartell went another brave race at Counties last Saturday to score a close second place behind Irish Moon.  He has bounced through this race is his usual manner, and will be aimed at his next start in the coming weeks. 

Florence Hill’s has had a recurring foot issue that has momentarily put the brakes on her immediate departure to Sydney if all is well she will be rescheduled to fly in the coming weeks.  Cinematic also had a false start to her return to Sydney after a float mishap Monday morning.  With a few superficial injuries she has resumed back at the track Wednesday for quiet work. And further plans for Sydney will be rescheduled shortly.

All American – Do Gooda filly had her first official jump out on the course proper last Tuesday over 600m.  The filly was a bit fractious in the gates while waiting but jumped nicely to sit in behind the speed and travelled to the line well. Denman – La Chiflota filly was professional in her 600m jump out but was not overly comfortable in her action. It has been decided both fillies will head to the spelling paddock for a short break

Molly Polly and the Medeglia Doro – Lunar Eclipse filly continue to make great progress and both appear to be in lovely condition.

The Guillotine and the Zed 2 year old geldings have completed their second week back in training.
This week also saw the return of Lady Henrietta, City Boy, Time Lord and the Azamour - Cataari gelding to the stable. All four horses and have had a nice break and have come back in great condition.

In Australia
Moki was sent to the spelling paddock for 10 days following his last race and is due to rejoin the stable this comng Monday.

Dark Secret was given a solo ¾ speed over 600m on Thursday and Quinton is really happy with how he has come through his Kembla race. He had a solo work out this morning over 800m on the pro ride and will gallop on the grass next Tuesday in preparation for his race at Wyong on Sunday 12th over 1600m

Japhite went lovely in her Rosehill on Tuesday.  She settled into the trail position in behind a slow speed and on straightening she took the inside running to win the trial under a nice hold.  Following, the filly has come through the trial lovely and will gallop this Tuesday on the grass in preparation for her race over 1100m race at Wyong next Sunday 12th if all is well.

Segenhoe has had a small setback but appears to be over this now.  He may miss his intended race at Hawkesbury next Thursday, his next race will be decided upon in the coming week.

Our Ventura has continued to thrive since her jump out last Friday.  She was lovely in a solo 1000m at ¾ speed on the pro ride on Wednesday morning and did similar work this morning galloping the final 400m of her work. She is down to trial on Monday morning at Warwick Farm over 1200m and Jason will ride her.

Untamed Diamond was given an easy 800m at evens on the pro ride Wednesday morning and Jason will ride her gallop on the grass Tuesday morning, she is progressing well and may head to her next assignment in the coming week.

 Segenhoe does it again!! Another great effort by this gelding to record his second win in Sydney to take out the $30,000 Benchmark R60 Handicap over 2100m at Wyong. And doing so in stylish fashion to score by an easy 8.5 length margin in the hands of Jason. Another big thank you to the Sydney team and a big congratulations to the Mortimer family

Cartell Lines up today at our home track Counties in race 4 an open 1200m event. He will jump from the outside barrier of 7 runners in what appears to be a small but competitive field.  Alysha has been booked to ride and we expect him to go an honest race on the nicely irrigated surface they will strike today.
 
Selfie will also go around today in race 5 at Counties a R85 Benchmark 1300m event for a stakes of $25,000.  Selfie who did not fare to well in his last start barrier, but has come off better today jumping from 5 in the 8 horse race. The smaller field with the dead surface should be more to his liking, as will the luxury of only carrying 54kilos.
 
After a solid season it has been decided that the ever consistent Biggin Hill will be sent to the spelling paddock for a much deserved break. He will look to return back to the stable sometime in March.
 
Tomorrow we will see the 10th running of the Karaka Millions for 2 year olds to be held at Ellerslie racecourse.  We have two runners entered for the twilight meeting.  Artic Storm been the first of our runners who will start in race 1, a special conditions 1200m event.  The 3 year old gelding has drawn a wide barrier of 12 of 13 that will make the job hard, but he does have early speed we plan to use.  Swissta will also line up tomorrow night in the NZB Insurance Karaka 3 year old mile, and has drawn the barrier 1 in a small but very competitive field of talented three year olds. This will be Swissta’s toughest test to date but we hope his great racing attitude will take him far.
 
It has been decided that Florence Hill will head to Sydney this coming Monday where we will try to catch the autumn staying races aimed for 3 year old fillies.  She has shown us enough that we feel she will benefit from the extra time leading into these races.  It has also been decided by connections that Cinematic will travel to Sydney Monday as well. Cinematic has been a consistent performer here in New Zealand but the lack off race opportunities available to her has meant connections would like to give the mare the opportunity to try her at provincial level in Sydney where there is plenty of races open to her for similar if not better stakes money. Further racing plans for Cinematic will be decided upon once the mare settles into our Sydney stable.
 
Top Prospect will have gallop in company this Tuesday morning in preparation for Te Rapa next Saturday for his fresh up run over a 1600m.  After a minor setback the break has down the 3 year old Swiss Ace gelding the world of good, and it will be nice to have him back racing and on target for the 3 year old upcoming staying races.
 
All American – Do Gooda & Denman – La Chiflota fillies have both come through their barrier education in good order.  Both 2 year old fillies will have jump outs on the course proper at Counties on Tuesday morning over 600m.
 
Molly Polly and the Medeglia Doro – Lunar Eclipse filly have both completed their 3rd week back in the stable and are in good order.
 
The newest member to the team is the Mortimer family bred and owned 2 year old gelding by Guillotine - Aeropraise gelding.  He is a lovely big staying type who has settled into his new surroundings nicely.
 
In Australia
 
Moki went an honest enough race last Sunday at Wyong running 4th. The wide draw just been his undoing, having to do more work than anticipated to cross and sit outside the leader after jumping slow from the barrier gates.  Following this race it was decided Moki would benefit from 10 days in the paddock to freshen him.
 
Dark Secret has been taken steadily after his last start efforts for 6th at Kembla Grange on Tuesday.  Jason found the gelding would appreciate more ground and we will look to step him up in distance next start. 
 
Japhite following her arrival in Sydney the filly continues to settle into her new surroundings. She has had a couple of solo workouts at speed on the pro ride track and is learning to stretch out on the new surface.  We decided to bypass the jump outs yesterday and instead the filly will head to a 900m trial at Rosehill on the 31st of February with Jason on board.
 
Segenhoe has come through his win last Sunday at Wyong in great order, holding his weight well.  Quinton has been taking the gelding quietly where his days since his race have consisted of pace work and swimming.  At this stage he looks on target to head to Hawkesbury on Thursday the 9th over 2000m for rating 65horses.
 
Our Ventura had an 800m jump out on the course proper Friday morning and travelled nicely to the line. Following this we will progress towards a trial on the 6th at Warwick farm over 1200m which should bring her along nicely back to race day fitness.
 
Untamed Diamond was also given a jump out Friday morning over 800m in the hands Deanne Payne.  The mare true to her racing pattern jumped quickly to lead through out and was nicely held.  Following she comes though this in good order she will look at heading to Warwick farm on Wednesday the 8th for a benchmark rating 78 event over 1000m.   

As everybody will be aware next week are the 2017 Karaka Yearling Sales.  Judy and I have inspected plenty of horses mainly in the Select and Festival categories with the intention of purchasing good value individuals particular by proven or upcoming sires.

This year I am keen to purchase a couple of fillies to race in partnerships, that look to be more earlier types with 2 year old winners in their pedigrees and also have enough strength in their pedigree to eventually have residual value to be sold later on as broodmares.  The best investment level to get into racing in New Zealand is in 2 and 3 year old racing while they race against their own age group.

We have also been looking at colts as well and plan to purchase at least a couple, hopefully like Swissta who was a $24,000 outlay in the Festival Sales 2 years ago.

Following the Karaka Sales Judy and I will attend the Inglis Classic Sale in Sydney which has proven for us in the past to be a great value for money for us in the past three years. Previous years purchases include:
Untamed Diamond A$30,000
Cinematic A$40,000
Florence Hill A$38,000
Japhite A$50,000

We will keep everybody informed of our purchases available for partnerships over the
Karaka Yearling Sales January 30th – February 5th and the Inglis Sydney Classic Yearling Sale 11, 12 & 13th of February and will welcome any enquiries for those who want to take shares of the horses.

With no stable runners in New Zealand this weekend we will all be enjoying a quiet Saturday.  However come Sunday our focus will shift to Sydney where we have Segenhoe and Moki entered for the Wyong meeting.

Last Saturday saw a small team of the stable runners compete at both Ellerslie and Wellington with mixed results.  Cartell went his usual brave effort to hold onto 4th in the open event where they ran a slick time of 1.09.58 secs.  Safely through this he will next head to our home track at Counties on the 28th of February for a similar race.  Biggin Hill’s run last Saturday was one to best forget, not  a lot went his way in the open 1200m sprint but he appears to unaffected by the race and he too may look at Counties next Saturday.

The wide draw eventually got the better of Selfie who settled back in his field a clear last in a slowly run event to finish a close 6th running his last 600metres in 32.73 Secs. This was a huge effort by the gelding to get so close considering the sectionals they ran in the early part of the race.  He may also head to Counties next Saturday for a 1300m race.

Not much went right for Cinematic last start at Wellington, she appeared to not have the easiest of trips and failed to settled before covering more ground than she needed to.  She was still able to run into 5th place, finishing of the concluding stages of her race strong.   She has had a quiet week following and appears to have perked up nicely following her trip away.

Swista continues to make nice progress towards his next assignment on Karaka Millions night next Sunday.  He will line up in the NZB Insurance Karaka 3YO 1600m and with great prize money on offer this race has attracted the very best three year olds around.  It is also a nice lead up into the Avondale Guineas 3 weeks later.

Arctic Storm continues to train on well following his Thames race.  He has stepped back up to fast work this week in preparation for his start next Sunday at Karaka Millions twilight over 1200m, a special conditions race that will be sure to draw a nice field with the prize money on offer.

Top Prospect is coming to hand nicely and may look at heading to our local jump outs on the course proper to be held on Tuesday 31st over 880m.  This will fit in nicely with his preparation.

Florence Hill had her first ¾ speed work out during the week since her freshen up and did similar work this morning. The filly is slowly building upon her fitness.

All American – Do Gooda & Denman – La Chiflota fillies competed more barrier education this week, having a jump out in company Thursday morning over 400m through the main race day gates. Both fillies showed natural early speed, and will look at having a more official jump out on the course proper on Tuesday the 31st over 600m then on to the trials in early February. 

Molly Polly and the Medeglia Doro – Lunar Eclipse filly have completed their third week back the stable and all is well.

In Australia

Segenhoe heads back to Wyong on Sunday in an effort to repeat his last win with Jason aboard.  He will run in the class 2 2100metre event held at 3.25 pm NZ time, jumping from barrier 1 of 5.  His work leading into this race has been solid and it would be nice to see him go close again.

Moki is the second of our starters who will head to Wyong on Sunday for a 3 year old maiden over 1000m to be held at 6.20 pm.  He has unfortunately drawn the outside barrier but with scratching’s it may come back to an 8 horse field.  With the blinkers off, it will all depend on how Moki Jumps from the barriers to where Jason will ride him. 

Dark Secret was given a nice gallop Wednesday morning over 800m on the grass and did similar work this morning in preparation for his race next Tuesday at Kembla Grange.  He will go around in a C & G maiden 1400m event.  The race is scheduled to run at 7.05 pm NZ time and he will jump from barrier 6 with Jason been booked to ride.

Our Ventura continues to come to hand well and will jump out next Friday over 800m on the course proper.  Her fast work over the past week has been encouraging suggesting she is not far away from race day fitness.  She is a mare that appreciates a slight jar out of the track so her return to racing will be well timed.

Untamed Diamond Deane Payne rode the mare in her Wednesday workout over 800m at evens quickening the final stages and appeared to be happy with her progress.  She did similar work this morning and will also head to a jump out next Friday on the course proper.  Following this she will head straight to the races.

Japhite has settled into her new surroundings well following her arrival in Sydney Monday afternoon.  The filly was previously brought from Australia as a yearling and therefore does appear to be handling the much hotter conditions with ease.  Since her arrival she has had a quiet week of swimming and slow work. She stepped up to ¾ speed this morning putting in a nice work.  If all is well we may look at giving her a jump out next Friday over 800m.
 
 
 
 

 This Saturday we kick off the racing week with 4 starters racing at both Ellerslie and the premier meeting at Wellington today.  Cartell and Biggin Hill who will represent the stable in the first for the day at Ellerslie in the open 1200m event. Both stable veterans are in great order, producing solid gallops respectively Tuesday morning.  Cartell has drawn barrier 4 of 7 and with the claiming allowance of Amber Sims his weight will be brought down to a luxury 52 ½ kg.  Biggin Hill will jump from barrier 2 in the small but competitive field.  He is looking to capitalise on his last start 3rd at Ellerslie on Boxing Day in Stakes Company.  Our third runner at the Ellerslie meeting today is Selfie who contests race 5 over 1200m, a similar race and field to his last start on Boxing Day. In the hands of Grant Cooksley, the gelding will jump from 8 from 11.  Selfie’s preparation going into this race has been encouraging, and would be lovely to see him go one closer for connections today.

Our fourth runner for the day is Cinematic in the R75 1200m event at the premier meeting in Wellington.  Cinematic jumps from barrier of 9 of 10.  It will be the mares first time down the straight at Wellington and so will be looking to gain some cover early in order to produce the strong finish she is capable of.  She has the services of Sean McKay today.

Last Sunday at Thames we saw Artic Storm win his maiden race very impressively.  Under the guidance of Alysha the 3year old Captain Rio gelding jumped easily to the front and lead through out to win by a 3 length margin. He has had a quiet week following and looks to be on target for his next assignment on the 29th at Ellerslie Karaka Millions night for a special conditions maiden over 1200m.
race replay      http://www.nzracing.co.nz/Common/SystemTemplates/Modal/Video.aspx?v=http%3a%2f%2fwww.racingreplays.co.nz%2fmedia%2f201701%2f20170108THAM05_BB.mp4&i=%2fCommon%2fImage.ashx%3fw%3d720%26h%3d400%26a%3d1%26o%3d1%26bg%3deeeeee%26p%3dhttp%3a%2f%2fwww.racingreplays.co.nz%2fmedia%2f201701%2f20170108THAM05_BB.jpg&r=Race+5+-+KOPU+ENGINEERING%2fVERSATILE+HOMES+1200

Swissta galloped nicely in company with Japhite this morning.  The Swiss Ace gelding has done well since his New Year’s Day Group 2 win, his next assignment will be at the Karaka Millions night at Ellerslie for the NZB Insurance Karaka 3YO 1600m.  Japhite continues to build towards a race day start and is book to fly to Sydney on Monday to join our second stable. Further decision to her race plans will be made once the filly has arrived and settled into her new surroundings.

Irish Missile will head to the spelling paddock for a much deserved break, where she will join Shangold.

Top Prospect continues to make progress back to full race fitness.  Immediate race plans are still up for discussion.  Florence Hill has progressed to full work and is in great condition, having benefited from the small break.

All American – Do Gooda & Denman – La Chiflota fillies have had another two fast works under their belts this week and are coming to hand nicely.  They will look at having some barrier education next week.

Molly Polly and the Medeglia Doro – Lunar Eclipse filly have both settled back into the stable’s nicely following their spell and look in good order.

In Australia
Segenhoe has resumed normal work after his quiet week following his win at Wyong.  He will again work at speed this morning and will gallop in company with Dark Secret Tuesday morning over 1200m on the grass in preparation for his next start at Wyong on the 15th R60 2100m event. 

Dark Secret didn’t have it all go his way last Saturday at New Castle, but appears to have come through this race nicely and will gallop in company on the grass next Tuesday in preparation for his next start at Kembla Grange on Tuesday 24th over 1400m.

Moki had a jump out Friday morning on the course proper over 800m.  Jason rode the horse and found he was a lot more settled and happy with the blinkers off.  If all is well following he will look at heading to Wyong on Sunday 22nd in either 1000m 3 year old maiden or 1200m C+G maiden. 

Our Ventura continues to step up in her fast work working a bit stronger each time. She appears to be holding her condition well and may look at having a grass jump out over 800m in a fortnight.

Untamed Diamond appears to be moving freely following her small set back, she has had a steady week but will return to normal work this week.

The Stable has had a great start to the 2017 New Year with our stable recording winners on both sides of the Tasman.  The first of these two winners was by the talented 3 year old Swissta who was brave in winning the Group 2 Jamieson Park Great Northern Guineas.  From a wide barrier draw the Swiss Ace gelding worked comfortable across the field to sit outside the leader and still leave enough in the tank to fight off contenders in a close finish. It was also a great result for the syndicate involved in Swissta who are made up of long time and loyal stable owners. He has had a quiet week following and future plans for the exciting three year old will be decided upon in the coming weeks.

Segenhoe was dominant in taking out the class 1 2100m event at Wyong in Sydney on Wednesday to record our second win for the New Year.  He jumped nicely and under the guidance of Jason was able to settle the horse outside the leader, where he applied the pressure on turning for home to win by an easy 3 length margin. It was a great result for the Mortimer family who have a long association with racing, and this gelding has been one they bred and race themselves.

Arctic Storm will now head to Thames on Sunday the 8th after the rescheduling of the Thames meeting that was abandoned on the 3rd. With new barriers drawn this time around we will see Arctic Storm jump from 2 of 11 with Alysha again been booked to ride.

Irish Missile and Shangold both raced slightly below expectations at Ruakaka on Friday in their respective races. Irish Missile from a wide alley settled midfield but was unable to make much impact in the concluding stages running an honest 6th placing. Shangold with plans to ride him positively from his barrier 3 was unable to retain this position and weakened over the concluding stages finishing 6th 5.4 lengths from the winner. Following his efforts it has been decided Shangold will head to the paddock for a spell.

Cartell who has been entered for Thames this Sunday will more than likely head to Ellerslie on the 14th of January, a track he enjoys and performs well at for another open 1200m. Biggin Hill has resumed normal work this week and also looks on target for his respective race on the same day. He will be looking to improve on his last start 3rd in the Listed Hallmark Stud Handicap on Boxing Day.  Another stable entry for next Saturday will be Selfie who has thrived since his last start 2nd placing on Boxing Day. His work in the last week suggests he will be in good order for the R75 1200m event he will be entered for. Cinematic is the last member of our team who will head to the Auckland meeting. This time round the filly will be tried over 1400mertes, the extra 200m should pose no problems to the filly who suggest she is ready for the extra distance after her second placing over 1200m at Tauranga last start.
Japhite is coming along nicely and further progressing towards full fitness, at this stage the filly looks likely to be heading to Sydney in the coming weeks, based on her rating she will be nicely placed in the Sydney scene.

Florence Hill and Top Prospect both are progressing nicely after their short breaks, and will step up their mileage in the next weeks.

All American – Do Gooda & Denman – La Chiflota fillies had their second ¾ speed workout in company this morning over 500m.

In Australia
Segenhoe has come through his Wyong win in great order, he has been taken quietly following his win and plans will be made in the next few days regarding his next start.

Dark Secret heads to New Castle on Saturday for his first start in Sydney. He has drawn barrier 5 of 9 runners in race 3 which will be run at NZ time 4.49pm. Rory Hutching’s has been booked to ride
.
Moki has been working quietly since his last start at Warwick Farm on the 28th if all progresses well he will have a grass jump out next Friday with Jason aboard before his next race assignment is decided.

Our Ventura continues to progress towards race day fitness working fast pace Wednesday and Saturday morning. Untamed Diamond has been working quietly after a minor hindquarter issue.

With the busy Christmas racing period still in full swing we look back with satisfaction at our 2016 racing season and head into our 2017 racing season with a nice line up of stable runners. 

Our first runner for the New Year is headed by the lightly tried but talented Swissta who will be starting in the Jamieson Park Great Northern Guineas.  Swissta a last start winner over 1500m at Ellerslie looks well placed in the small but competitive field New Year’s Day.  His last gallop in company was encouraging and the extra 100m does not look like it will concern him. Alysha is booked to ride the 3year old today.

Last Monday at the Ellerslie Boxing Day races saw Selfie and Biggin Hill deliver solid efforts in their respective races. Selfie in the R75 1200m event put in a tough effort to just be beaten in a close finish to suggest he is back to his competitive self. Biggin Hill never one to shy from a challenge again went another honest race, finishing third in the Listed Hallmark Stud Handicap over 1200m. Both horses have come through their Boxing Day races in great order and will look to line up next at Ellerslie on the 14th of January.

Arctic Storm was scratched from his Rotorua race and will instead head to Thames on the 3rd of January where he will debut in a maiden 3 year old 1200m event. He has once again drawn a wide barrier gate, but has some early speed to suggest he could overcome this draw.

The Ellerslie meeting on the 29th of December saw the return of Cartell back to his best under the guidance of 3kg claimer Amber Simms to run an honest second placing.  He will now be aimed at another open 1200m event at Ellerslie on the 14th of January.  Our second runner for that day was Son Taari – who under the guidance of Kelly McCulloch was ridden more patiently, however he still battled away for a midfield placing.  At this stage he will be turned out for the summer period.

Irish Missile galloped nicely in company Saturday morning and will head to Ruakaka on Friday the 6th for a New Zealand Bloodstock Pearl Series race for maiden fillies and mares over 1200m. After her brave last start effort Irish Missile looks well placed leading into this.  Shangold will also head to Ruakaka for a maiden 1400m race. He will have change form blinkers into visor blinkers for this race.

Cinematic has been pace working quietly since her last start run at Tauranga on the 21st, she looks to be on target for her next assignment at Ellerslie on the 14thof January where she will be stepped up to 1400m.  Japhite continues to progress, after her stretch out at Ellerslie last Friday on the Course Proper the filly is very close to race day fitness.

Top Prospect and Florence Hill after a short break both are resume pace working.  All American and Denman fillies continue to come to hand nicely, both having their first breeze up Saturday morning over 400m at ¾ speed.

In Australia

Moki went around at Warwick Farm on the 28th in a 1200m maiden and was a little bit above himself, his manners prior to racing letting him down. He will be taken quietly until his next assignment has been decided.

Dark Secret has been nominated for Kembla Grange on Tuesday, but with a large number of nominations may not make the field, in this case he will head to Newcastle on Saturday over 1300m.

Segenhoe finished a distance third in his 1030m trial at Warwick Farm this morning and was professional for Jason.  Once eased in behind for some cover he settled nicely and finished the trial off well to the line.  He will race at Wyong on Tuesday in the 2100m class 1 race with Jason aboard.

Ventura was given an easy 600m at ¾ speed last Saturday and had a similar stretch out this Saturday. 

Untamed Diamond galloped in company over 800m on Saturday morning with Deanne Panya aboard and stretched out to the line nicely, having a good blow following.  Suggesting she is still a week away from resuming.

Boxing Day starts a busy week for the stable with Selfie & Biggin Hill both looking well placed in their respective races. Selfie will line up in the R75 1200m, his run for 2nd at Ellerslie last start was eye-catching and his work since has been very good. Biggin Hill starts in the Listed Hallmark Stud Handicap over 1200m. He doesn’t look out of place in the race having finished close up in his last two starts in similar company. Both horses will be ridden by Alysha who is riding in great form of late.

Arctic Storm will head to Rotorua on Tuesday. He has drawn barrier 9 of 12 over 1215m so we are hoping he jumps as well as he did in his trial and can get a good run in transit for Alysha in his race day debut.

Shangold & Cartell enjoyed a good gallop at Ellerslie yesterday and will race there on Thursday. Shangold will line up in the maiden 1200m and Cartell in the R85 also over 1200m. Japhite also benefitted from a hit out out at Ellerslie on Friday and will line up over the Xmas period.

Irish Missile & Son Taari have had easy weeks after racing at Te Rapa last Saturday. Son Taari was ridden forward and on a fast pace didn’t see out the trip fading out in the straight, he may back up at Ellerslie on Thursday in the R65 2100m and be ridden more patiently this time.
Irish Missile had to work hard to get to the lead and still fought on gamely to finish a close up 4th   in her race, she will drop back to 1200m at her next start at Ruakaka on the 6th January.

Back on a good track and with a decent barrier draw Cinematic showed her true form finishing 2nd at Tauranga during the week. She has come through the race well and could be aimed for a race at Ellerslie on 14th January.
With Jason home for a few days over Xmas he took the chance to jump on a couple of horses in track work including Swissta who sprinted up nicely this morning and pulled up in good order from the workout. He looks on target for his next assignment, the G2 Great Northern Guineas on New Years Day.

In Australia
Moki drew wide in his race at Warwick Farm last week and was scratched. He will be nominated back at Warwick farm this Wednesday over 1200m. His work last Saturday and during the week has been very good.
Dark Secret also galloped well last Saturday and is making good progress towards his debut at Kembla Grange on 3rd January  over 1300m.
Untamed Diamond has worked along at ¾ speed this week, along with Our Ventura who has had her work stepped up and her first run along at ¾ speed today. Segenhoe has been schooling over logs along with pace work to sharpen him up prior to a trial at Rosehill next Friday.

Swissta (Swiss Ace- Sacrista) made it two wins from four starts with his win in the R65 1500m at Ellerslie last Sunday, although not winning by a big margin he won convincingly. It was great to see a group of his owners on course to celebrate the win too. He has had a few quiet days following and will now build towards a start in the Great Northern Guineas on New Years Day over 1600m. 

Irish Missile & Son Taari race at Te Rapa on Saturday, both look nice chances after good gallops during the week. Irish Missile lines up in the 3yo maiden 1400m and will be ridden by Alysha. The barrier blanket has been removed from her gear as she was a touch slow away in her last start. Son Taari starts in the R65 2100m, his previous start over ground was solid. He jumps from barrier 11 and will be ridden by Alysha.

Cinematic & Shangold will have hit outs tomorrow as their final preparation for racing at Tauranga on Wednesday.
Biggin Hill & Selfie will gallop in company tomorrow. Both horses have come through their previous starts in great order and look on target to race on Boxing Day.
Arctic Storm (Captain Rio – Pyrate Princess) continues to train on well since his trial win, he will head to Rotorua on the 27th for his debut.

Japhite looks to be back on track after sound gallops last Saturday and Thursday. All going well she should resume racing at Ellerslie on December 29th. Cartell led all the way and easily won his 1000m trial at Te Aroha on Tuesday.  He looks close to race fitness and could resume at Ellerslie on the 29th also.

Florence Hill has had some muscle soreness in a shoulder and subsequently had a quiet week. Top Prospect has also been eased off in training with a slight hamstring tear.
 Azamour – Cataari & Any Suggestion – Southern Touch geldings had barrier practice during the week and are due a gallop in company tomorrow. All American – Do Gooda & Denman – La Chiflota fillies continue with conditioning work.

In Australia
Moki & Dark Secret  will gallop in company tomorrow over 800m, for Moki this will be his final hit out prior to racing at Warwick farm on Wednesday over 1100m. The gallop will also give us a line on how close Dark Secret is to his Australian debut.

With blinkers on for the first time, Segenhoe bolted on his apprentice rider Deanne Panya at Canberra last Sunday and as a consequence faded out finishing last. He appears to have taken no harm from the run but will need to trial before racing again.

Untamed Diamond has had some changes to her shoeing and has pace worked steadily all week, she will have a run along tomorrow morning. Our Ventura is getting through her pace work nicely.
 

Swissta will be our sole New Zealand runner this weekend, he lines up in the R65 1500m at Ellerslie on Sunday. He will be ridden by Kelly McCulloch with Alysha being suspended. He goes into the race after a nice gallop on Tuesday morning and the step up in distance from 1200m should suit.

Selfie resumed with an excellent run for 2nd at Ellerslie last Saturday over 1200m. He has come through the race nicely and will be aimed for similar race back at Ellerslie on Boxing Day. Cinematic had no luck in the same race, going forward from the barrier and getting caught wide. She has taken no harm from the run and may race next at Tauranga on 21st December over 1200m.
Biggin Hill again produced an honest effort finishing 6th in the Concorde, less than 2 lengths from the winner. He continues to run good races against the best company and will head back to Ellerslie on Boxing Day for the Hallmark Stud handicap over 1200m.

Irish Missile was to race at Tauranga today but fared badly with the barrier draw and will now head to Te Rapa next Saturday over 1400m. Son Taari & Shangold have trained on well since their last starts and will also be nominated for Te Rapa next Saturday.

Captain Rio – Pyrate Princess trialled very well over 1000m at Avondale on Tuesday beaten a head, well held in a slick time of 59.31. He has come through the trial in good order.
Japhite has had a full week of work after some shoeing alterations, she will gallop on Saturday and could trial at Te Aroha on Tuesday. Cartell will also trial to bring him closer to race fitness, he should be ready to resume later in December.

 Azamour – Cataari & Any Suggestion – Southern Touch geldings have had barrier practice this week. All American – Do Gooda & Denman – La Chiflota fillies have pace worked quietly along with Top Prospect & Florence Hill who have both had a quiet week.

In Australia
Segenhoe will be out to impress after his disappointing first up run when he races in the R75 2000m at Canberra on Sunday.  He has done plenty of work since his previous start and should strip a fitter horse. He has had a gear change to blinkers and will be ridden by Deane Panya claiming 1.5kgs.

Moki has come through his debut nicely, he could race at Kembla Grange next Saturday or wait for Warwick Farm on the 21st for his next start. Untamed Diamond, Dark Secret & Our Ventura have taken full advantage of the swimming pool at Warwick Farm and been alternating swimming and pace working this week.