Simon and Katrina Alexander came close to winning the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) a few years ago with their stable star La Crique, and now it looks like they may have another Derby prospect on their hands.
Talented miler Lingjun Xiongfeng will start his six-year-old season in Monday’s Poverty Bay Turf Club Cup (1400m) at Taupo, which trainer Pam Gerard hopes will provide a rating boost in the lead-up to feature summer targets.
Group One winner La Crique showed a change in home has done nothing to hinder her spring preparation when she put in an eye-catching runner-up performance in her 1100m heat at the Taupo trials on Wednesday.
To Catch A Thief will sport a fresh look at Pukekohe Park on Saturday when he attempts to break his maiden after competing with recent distinction in far stronger company.