With the release this week of nominations for the Gr.1 Trackside NZ Derby, the focus intensifies for stamina signs amongst the three-year-old crop ahead of the March 7 Ellerslie classic.
Former West Coaster John Blackadder has had plenty of success around the South Island, but there remains one track firmly on his hit-list, his former hometown of Reefton.
With a six-week gap between two of summer’s major weight-for-age middle-distance features, trainers of leading candidates have taken a variety of approaches to their preparations.
Ruakaka trainer Michelle Bradley will line-up a trio of runners at her home track on Tuesday, including No Plan Be, who will attempt to secure the Trigg Construction Northland Cup (2100m) for the local horsewoman.
Chris Rutten has a knack for selecting Karaka Millions 2YO contenders, and he looks to have struck again, this time with the Roydon Bergerson-trained Sweetest Thing.
It will be an anxious few weeks for the connections of State The Obvious as they wait to see if their filly makes the cut for the $1 million TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) at Ellerslie on January 24.
Miss Jones showed plenty of promise in Australia, placing in six of her 10 starts for trainers Richard and Will Freedman, but she has found her groove since crossing the Tasman.
