Go Racing Guineas hopefuls step out at Taupo
Rose Aye Reign (I am Invincible) pictured as a yearling
Go Racing will be represented by a pair of Gr.1 Barneswood Farm 54th New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) hopefuls at Taupō on Friday.
Rose Aye Reign and Royal Assett are among seven Go Racing three-year-old fillies nominated for the $600,000 Classic, and the Stephen Marsh-trained pair kick off that campaign this week.
I Am Invincible filly, Rose Aye Reign has matured since having two starts as a two-year-old earlier this year, and she comes into the Wairakei Golf And Sanctury (1100m) following two encouraging trials last month.
She has drawn barrier seven of nine and she will be ridden by Joe Doyle.
“As a two-year-old she was just doing everything at 100 miles an hour, so she was spelled after finishing fourth in her second start,” Go Racing’s General Manager Matt Allnutt said.
“She was a A$340,000 purchase from the Inglis Easter Yearling Sales and we’ve got a pretty big opinion of her – we think she has the right profile for the 1000 Guineas.
“Her two trials have been good this time in, and she seems to be a lot more mentally and physically mature.
“We expect her to run well on Friday, she’s ready to run well but the draw is against her and it’s a strong field, so whatever she does, we will expect her to improve on it.”
While Rose Aye Reign already has race day experience, her stablemate Royal Assett does not, she will be making her debut in the Inglis (1100m), and she has also drawn seven of nine.
The daughter of Wootton Bassett has also had two trials, finishing runner up on both occasions, with Erin Leighton onboard, who takes the reins again on Friday.
“Her two trials have been excellent and she seems to be a very genuine and classy type of filly,” Allnutt said.
“She did have a few barrier issues early on, but these seem to be behind her now.
“Once again, the barrier draw is against her and being on debut against horses that have raced is never easy but we’re looking forward to getting her career underway.
“She has a big group of owners, and a lot of them are first-time owners so hopefully plenty of them will be on course to enjoy the occasion.”
Rose Aye Rein and Royal Assett are joined by fellow Go Racing charges Miss Janet, So Fear, Acclivitous, Vodka And Caviar and Vaultique as early nominees for the Gr.1 Barneswood Farm 54th New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) which takes place at Riccarton Park on November 7.