Derby aspirations
Lindsay Park believes it has a potential Classic contender for next season in Power Scheme (Fiorente {Ire}).
“I think he's a horse of the future, a Derby colt, and we're very excited he can step up like this," co-trainer David Hayes said.
Power Scheme opened his winning account at his fifth appearance when he triumphed in the Listed Kings Of Sydney Sport Mile at Randwick.
"If he pulls up well we might back him up into the Champagne next week."
The race was marred by a nasty fall with Andrew Adkins parting company with War Baron (Declaration Of War {USA}) in the final 100 metres of the race and Glyn Schofield was also dislodged from Persan (Pierro), but got straight to his feet.
Adkins will be side-lined for some time after suffering multiple fractures and concussion.
Queensland an option
A trip to the Queensland winter carnival is a possibility for the unbeaten 2-year-old Super Seth (Dundeel {NZ}).
The Anthony Freedman-trained colt was a debut winner at Ballarat and stormed home from second last on the turn to keep his perfect record intact after Saturday’s Ern Jensen H. at Caulfield.
“It was a pretty big win,” Freedman said. “Brisbane is an option and we’ve got it in the back of our minds for him.”
Super Seth was ridden by Clayton Douglas, whose pre-race instructions were to bide his time.
“The boss said to be patient and let things unfold,” he said. “Once he was into the open he hit the line hard. He’s a class horse.”
Super Seth
Derby in sights
Secret Blaze (Sizzling) was a dominant winner of the Listed Galilee Series Final at Caulfield with trainer Tony McEvoy now looking to raise the bar.
His Melbourne-based foreman Michael Shepherdson said the South Australian-based trainer has his eyes set on a hometown win in the Group 1 South Australian Derby.
"Tony's earmarked the Derby for him and would love to get him there," Shepherdson said.
"I'm not sure if he'll have time to have another race, but he's an emerging stayer and Tony will make up his mind after he sees how he pulls up.
"He's still learning and he could still relax a little bit more, but racing over a trip will help bring that on.
Miss makes her mark
Miss Leonidas (I Am Invincible) has posted the first stakes victory of her career.
She showed early pace making the running and stayed on strongly to claim the Listed yulonginvest.com.au Bel Esprit S. at Caulfield.
"I was so confident without being over the top," trainer Shaun Dwyer said.
"I thought if she had drawn one, two, three or four she was a moral. But gee she is good.
"I think that's the way to ride her. She's just got speed that puts the others off the bit and then she just keeps finding.
"It didn't work out how we talked about pre-race, but it worked out. "I thought the favourite would lead and Desert Lashes would come across and just give us cover, but she made her own luck."
Miss Leonidas
Felaar claims Hawke’s Bay Cup
A perfect ride by Leith Innes saw him guide favourite Felaar (NZ) (Ekraar {USA}) to a brave victory in the Listed Royston Hospital Hawke’s Bay Cup.
Touted as a stayer of real potential, Felaar had finished runner-up in the Bay Of Plenty Cup at his last start after defeating G3 Manawatu Cup winner Rock On (NZ) (Road To Rock) at Otaki prior to that.
“He really is still learning so it makes a decision on what we do with him next a little harder,” trainer Stephen Marsh said.
“He does look like a good candidate for some of the staying races in Brisbane, but the right thing to do might be to keep him home, keep progressing slowly with him and wait for a serious attack in the spring.”
Felaar (middle)
Who Dares Wins doubles up at Riccarton
Who Dares Wins (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}) quickly added the won the G3 Coca-Cola Canterbury Gold Cup to his record following a seven day back-up.
Trainers Tony and Lyn Prendergast produced the imposing 6-year-old to win over 1600 metres after a four-month layoff the previous Saturday and the gelding delivered again.
“We only gave him some light trotting and cantering but he just thrived,” Tony Prendergast said.
“Any worries we had were put aside and I think his fitness really showed through in the closing stages.”
Prendergast doesn’t have any set plans over the next few weeks for his charge, preferring to play it by ear as to where he lines up next.
Who Dares Wins
Mare at top of her game
Matamata visitor Princess Kereru (NZ) (Pins) scored a hollow victory in the Listed New Zealand Bloodstock Finance Sprint at Hastings.
“She’s just gone to another level this year,” co-trainer Ken Kelso said. “If you had said to me last year that she would be doing this I would have laughed at you.
“She’s just really strengthened up as she always has had ability, but was just a bit weak.”
Kelso also praised the mare’s bulletproof nature, which has seen her thrive since commencing her current campaign back in October.
“She’s been up a long time but just does everything right,” he said. “She eats and is so relaxed and has a great temperament. Temperament is a huge thing in this game and she just eats, sleeps and is a real little trooper.”
Princess Kereru
Beyond The Fort too good
Beyond The Fort (NZ) (Niagara) franked her gritty runner-up effort in the G1 New Zealand Oaks last month with a comprehensive victory in the Listed New Zealand Bloodstock Warstep S. at Riccarton.
“She has the makings of a really good stayer this filly and she did a great job to win this one,” trainer Bill Thurlow said.
“I knew she was probably the best stayer in that line-up and that was how it panned out.
“We had been thinking of the South Australian Oaks for her as long as she comes through this one well,” he said. “There is also Queensland to consider.”
