Te Akau Racing co-trainer Sam Bergerson is still riding the wave of winning his first Group One race at Hastings on Saturday. However, his focus has swiftly shifted to a busy week of racing ahead.
Reflecting on his recent achievement, Bergerson said, “It was pretty surreal. You don't have many days like that, and to have it so early on in my training career, I am very fortunate.” Bergerson is in a training partnership with Mark Walker.
The Te Akau Racing team will field seven runners at Taupo on Friday, with the standout being the recent Group One winner, Romancing The Moon.
The four-year-old daughter of El Roca had an outstanding three-year-old season, clinching victories in four of her 11 starts, including the Group 1 Levin Classic (1600m) and the Listed NZB Insurance Stakes (1400m). She also finished as the runner-up on four occasions.
Romancing The Moon has had two trials in preparation for her return to racing, and she will carry 58.5kg from barrier nine, with the benefit of apprentice jockey Jessica Allen's claim.
Bergerson explained, “It is difficult for the three-year-old fillies, especially coming into their four-year-old season. We thought Taupo is a good track to kick her off on.”
Regarding her trials and readiness, he added, “Her first trial at Te Rapa was pretty fair but she trialled a lot better at Taupo. I think it has just taken a bit of time to get the weight off her and get her fit. Her track work since her last trial has been spot on, so we are happy with her going into Friday.”
If all goes well, the Group 3 Red Badge Spring Sprint (1400m) at Hastings next month is a potential target for Romancing The Moon.
Bergerson said, “We will get through Friday and see how she measures up. There is a race on the last day at Hawke's Bay, the Red Badge Sprint, that could be a really nice race for her if she ran well on Friday.”
In addition to Romancing The Moon, the Te Akau stable will have Cognito, I Choose You, and Grace ‘N' Grey competing in the same race at Taupo.
Regarding Cognito, Bergerson noted, “Cognito's form tapered off toward the end of last season after being really impressive in the Wellington Guineas (Group 2, 1400m). We have given him a couple of trials, which have been okay. We thought this would be another good race to get a line on him.”
I Choose You may find her future in Melbourne's Te Akau Cranbourne barn, depending on her performance on Friday.
Bergerson explained, “The 1000m races could be ideal for her, so she could be one that ends up in Melbourne if she ran well enough. If she settles, which is the big question, she should go a good race and find herself in Melbourne.”
On an earlier part of the card, promising three-year-old Superbly Written will aim to break her maiden ranks after a solid debut performance over 1200m at Taupo last month.
Bergerson said, “We have always liked her since she came to the stable. I thought it was a nice debut run, and hopefully, she will improve with it. She has had a look around Taupo now, which helps.”
He also mentioned plans for Superbly Written, saying, “I know it is a short step up in trip, but we think it will suit, and all going well, she can continue to progress, and we will try and get her to Christchurch hopefully.”