Checkmate’s reign as the New Zealand Derby favourite is set to be shortlived. But that should ensure that Saturday’s dominant Ellerslie winner is one of the next horses invited to the $3.5m NZB Kiwi on the same day as the Derby.
Emerging filly Aeliana has a Group One assignment in her sights after kicking off the Melbourne Cup Carnival with a dominant performance in the A$500,000 Gr.3 Channel 9 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) at Flemington.
The road to Riccarton Park has not been an easy one for Savaglee, but the colt indicated he is right on track with a stunning performance in Wednesday’s transferred Gr.2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m) at Te Aroha.
Ballarat trainers Tony and Calvin McEvoy are hoping they are in for an exiting spring with promising three-year-old Rue De Royale, with the ultimate goal being to gain a slot in next year’s $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m).
Syndicator Go Racing are looking for their standout juvenile Velocious to become the first The NZB Kiwi (1500m) bonus eligible horse in the coming weeks.
