Black Type Bounty Hunters
Go Racing principal Albert Bosma is excited about a trifecta of three-year-olds hunting black type at Te Rapa this weekend.
Two fillies full of promise compete in the Group 3 $70,000 Soliloquy Stakes for 3YO fillies sponsored by Waikato Stud and both are graduates of the Breeders of the Year.
Stephen Marsh offers up Atishu (by Savabeel) who is knocking at the door of her first win and has been an extremely unlucky bridesmaid twice.
“She was only beaten a nose on debut by the classy Miss Aotearoa who was the favourite for the 1000 Guineas before suffering an injury. Then she was another unlucky second in the Wanganui Guineas.”
“After a short break, she ran a very good fresh up third last start in a strong race. A wide draw means she is likely to get back but she is working super and should be hitting the line strongly.”
The less experienced Waimoku Falls (by Sacred Falls), trained by Stephen McKee, won impressively on debut at Tauranga. Despite also copping a wide barrier, Albert is optimistic. “She’s a filly that has just come on leaps and bounds from that first up win and she will follow a similar pattern to Atishu of getting back and charging home.” The ride will be under the guidance of jockey Andrew Calder who rode a double at Ellerslie last Saturday with regular rider Sam Spratt out with a broken collar bone.
Both fillies race this Saturday in their final lead in to the Group 1 1000 Guineas. “Both fillies look like they will really appreciate a mile at Riccarton for the Group 1, 1000 Guineas and are on target,” says Albert.
McKee Racing stable mate, Gee Cee, rounds out the black type hoepfuls this weekend for Go Racing.
The colt (also by Sacred Falls) competes in the Group 2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial for 3YO over 1400 metres worth $100,000.
Says Albert, “While he’s a maidener going into this race, he has a very good turn of foot and we have a high opinion of him. He was green in his last start, missing the start by four lengths which cost him any chance but still ran home well despite this handicap. He was entered to race at Matamata on Wednesday but was scratched because of the wet track. Saturday’s race will tell us whether he is on target for the 2000 Guineas or not quite there yet.”
Bosma said Gee Cee had a lovely draw which should see him sit just behind the speed and the 1400 metres distance is ideal at his stage of his preparation.