News In Brief
Classic test for Marsh three-year-olds
A pair of talented three-year-olds trained by Stephen Marsh will test the waters this weekend in the Gr.3 Higgins Concrete Manawatu Classic (2000m) at Awapuni.
Deels Done and Decadence are on an upward trajectory as lightly raced maiden winners.
“Given the timing of their campaigns, the Manawatu Classic fits in perfectly and will give us a good indication of where they are at,” Marsh said.
“If they can compete at this level over ground, it opens up options in Australia for them. It is a good test at this early stage of their career.”
The duo are both raced by Go Racing syndicates and have been earmarked as classic types.
A gelding by Dundeel, Deels Done will be considered for a Derby campaign in Queensland or South Australia, while Decadence, a filly by Sweet Orange, will look at the Oaks in both aforementioned States.
Pearl Series early bird entry closes Sunday
The New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association are calling for final entries for the Pearl Series Early Bird special.
The Pearl Series is a bonus scheme for Southern Hemisphere bred fillies and mares, offering bonuses of almost $2.6 million and prizemoney of nearly $2.8 million.
The scheme includes 200 individual races for fillies and mares over three seasons' racing, with bonuses for each race of up to $20,000.
The Series has been designed to benefit owners, trainers and breeders of fillies and mares running in New Zealand and are available in all regions of the country.
So far this season, 36 individual Pearl Bonus’ have been won.
The Early Bird is for $920 including GST and closes on Sunday, March 31. After this date, the nomination fee will increase to $1,380 including GST.
If you would like to nominate your yearling filly please visit pearlseries.nzthoroughbred.co.nz or alternatively email Corrina@nzthoroughbred.co.nz.
Patrick Erin back on track
Leading Sydney trainer Chris Waller believes New Zealand-bred galloper Patrick Erin is back on track for a tilt at the Gr.1 Sydney Cup (3200m) next month after a slight scare last start.
The seven-year-old gelding pulled up sore after his unplaced run in the Gr.3 Sky High Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill earlier this month, but Waller said his charge has recovered well and is in fine fettle ahead of Saturday’s Gr.1 Tancred Stakes (2400m) at Rosehill.
“He got a nasty bump as they jumped and ended up pulling up with a sore foot last start,” Waller said.
“He was sound within three days of the race and after the foot problem was discovered, it quickly improved and he has obviously trialled well since that.
“He heads to the races as a fit and sound horse and he has a nice draw (barrier six).
“His wet track form is fairly good so he should get a lovely run from the good gate and hopefully bounce back to run in the top three to suggest that he is on track for the Sydney Cup in two weeks’ time.”
