CHAMPION trainer Chris Waller is planning on a New Zealand assault with several nominations for their feature Group 1 races next March at Ellerslie.
There have been 30 nominations from Australia – the most popular race being the Group 1 Auckland Cup with 16 nominations, followed by the New Zealand Derby with 11.
Waller holds seven nominations for the NZ$500,000 Auckland Cup which includes Mornington Cup winner Instrumentalist.
John Thompson also holds a strong hand with European imports Orbec and Auvray, whilst James Cummings has entered the very promising Melbourne Spring Carnival winner Zarzali.
Ellerslie racecourse executive general manager Craig Baker said the club is delighted with the quality of entries it has received.
“Domestically, the support we have received for our feature races has exceeded expectations,” Baker said.
“It is also very pleasing to receive a high number of nominations from Australia. We have placed an emphasis on attracting Australian support, so it is gratifying to receive 30 nominations.
“The challenge for us now is to turn that initial support into actual starters.”
Pike picks Delicacy for 2015 Railway Stakes
William Pike had the pick of two great rides for Saturday’s Railway Stakes in Perth for WA’s leading owner Bob Peters and he chose to ride Delicacy.
Delicacy resumed with a second placing in the Group 2 Lee Steere Stakes after a string of wins last season and that was enough to convince Pike to ride Delicacy instead of Real Love.
The decision could cost Pike up to $33,000 in riding fees if Real Love were to win, but bookmakers currently have Delicacy as the Railway Stakes favourite.
“I could easily have got this wrong without a doubt. I couldn’t split them, I still can’t split them,” Pike said.
“I’ll know after Saturday whether I got it right or wrong.”
Bob Peters didn’t wait around to secure a rider for Real Love, booking former WA rider Damien Oliver.
“He’s got about 100 Group 1’s and I’ve got four. We’ll see if we can even the odds by one more,” Pike joked.
Delicacy has drawn in barrier 15 for the Railway Stakes, but Pike won aboard Elite Belle from barrier 12 last year so he isn’t too worried. Pike said Delicacy’s versatility would help him secure a midfield spot.
“Because she’s so versatile, I don’t think it will affect her too much,” Pike said.
“It’s not going to change the way I ride her, I’ll still ride her where she’s comfortable. It will just be a case of whether I’m within striking distance at the right time.
“The place where you win or lose a Railway is between the 600 and 400 [metres] and what sort of run you get around that bend, whether you get shuffled back, shuffled wide or locked on the fence.”
2015 Railway Stakes updated market:
Delicacy – $4.20 at CrownBet.com.au
Black Heart Bart – $5
Real Love – $5.50
Good Project – $7.50
Hazzabeel – $9
Messene – $12
Wink And A Nod – $18
Battle Hero – $21
Balmont Girl – $21
Fuchsia Bandana – $26
Tower Of Lonhro – $34
My Sister Lil – $34
Mr Utopia – $34
Special Delivery – $34
Bass Strait – $81
Moore eyes more Group success in Hong Kong
Former Australian trainer John Moore believes now is the time to find Hong Kong’s next sprinting superstar.
Moore told South China Morning Post that the decline in quality of local sprinters means he is now looking for the next big thing in the sprinting world.
“There really is room for a nice sprinting prospect here at the moment and I’m keeping my eyes open to buy the right young sprinter,” Moore said.
Moore will line up former Hawkes-trained sprinter Not Listenin’tome in the Group 1 Hong Kong Sprint next month at Sha Tin.
It will have its final lead-in race in the Group 2 Jockey Club Sprint on Saturday and Moore is hoping it justifies his confidence.
“I like to think he can win this and be competitive on December 13, but to maintain my confidence I really want to see him one, two or three on Saturday,” Moore said.
“Then I’d be quite positive about the Hong Kong Sprint because I think there’s a bit of spit and polish I can apply between now and the internationals and just extract a little more fitness for the big one.”
Not Listenin’tome is coming off a sixth behind Hong Kong superstar Able Friend which is the current favourite for the Hong Kong Mile at $1.75 with Sportsbet.com.au.
Moore believes his runner had excuses for that effort and he expects a better showing this time around.
“I admit the jury is still out on whether he’s our next big sprinter, but there was a lot to like about his convincing win first-up this season and then he had real excuses behind Able Friend last time,” Moore said.
“I’d love to see him smothered up and really get to use the turn of foot we know he has – that didn’t happen in the Premier Bowl and he still finished sixth.”
Not Listenin’tome is currently paying $17 to win the Hong Kong Sprint with Sportsbet with Australian champion Chautauqua the current $1.95 favourite.
Hong Kong Sprint market:
Chautauqau – $1.95
Gold-Fun – $4
Peniaphobia – $5
Straight Girl – $12
Sole Power – $13
Not Listenin’tome – $17
Gordon Lord Byron – $34
Lucky Nine – $41
Super Jockey – $51
Charles The Great – $67
Dundonnell – $81
Smart Votalility – $81
Bundle Of Joy – $81
Secret Sham – $101
Golden Harvest – $101