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.
Taranaki trainer Robbie Patterson kicked off his assault on the stakes races at Trentham on Saturday with a bang as underrated mare Our Jumala prevailed in a titanic struggle in the Gr.3 Wentwood Grange Cuddle Stakes (1600m).
A dominant performance in the Gr.2 Legacy Lodge Waikato Guineas (2000m) at Te Rapa on Saturday has thrust Tuxedo into the top echelon of contenders for next month’s Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m).
A long wait for Wolfgang’s day in the big-race spotlight came to a spectacular end at Trentham on Saturday when he overpowered his opposition in the Gr.3 NZCIS Wellington Cup (3200m).
