Promising galloper Germanicus will have his first tilt at stakes level on Saturday when he contests the Group 3 Tui – Backing A Winner Since 1889 Anniversary (1600m) at Trentham. The Danica Guy-trained four-year-old has been in fine form over a mile, having won his last two starts over the distance at Te Rapa, including victory over Group 2 performer Intrigue last month.
Guy was pleased with the victory and said he has come through the race in excellent order. “He's thriving. Out of all the races he has had, that race touched him the least. He came home like he hadn't had a race. He's done very well. “Both of his last two wins have been very good, but I think his last-start win was better because he came off the rail and he couldn't get wayward. “I don't think he is as good coming around horses, he tends to drift in and out. But he was pretty impressive the other day.”
Germanicus is set to head down to Wellington from his Matamata base later this week in preparation for this weekend's assignment where he will have a change in rider. “Mick Dee will be riding him because he is not going to get enough this start for Troy Harris,” Guy said.
While Germanicus remains nominated for the Group 1 Harcourts Thorndon Mile (1600m) at the Wellington track on January 18, Guy said he will more than likely head for a break. “He would have had a few runs by then and whether he is ready to go and do more from that we won't know until after this run. It might be time for him to have a bit of a let-up, but we will just assess that as we go. “He is still in the Thorndon Mile, but that is a very slim chance that he would line-up in that a week later.”
Guy is looking forward to Saturday but said she is more excited about his prospects as a five-year-old. “I am more excited about him as a proposition for next season. He is still learning, but he is starting to put it together now. I think next season we will really see what he is. “He is an easy horse to train in that he is very sound and clean-winded. I am really looking forward to setting up a nice programme for him next season.”