Simply Optimistic will be vying to make it back-to-back wins in Sydney on Saturday when he contests the Kensington Handicap (1300m) at Randwick.

 

The Brendon Hawtin-trained gelding won over 1200m at Randwick on a Heavy8 track last month and the Waikato conditioner has been pleased with his progress since then.

 

“He has thrived since his win last start and the extra 100m won’t hurt him,” he said. 

 

“The forecast in Sydney towards the end of the week is for rain, so there’s every chance that they will be running on a similar track.

 

“Things are looking good there, so I am looking forward to the weekend.”

 

The son of Encosta De Lago will be ridden by Hugh Bowman and Hawtin said he will take his advice onboard when planning the next steps with his charge.

 

“We are not going to plan too far ahead, we just want to get this one out of the road and hopefully he runs well,” he said.

 

“Hugh will be able to jump off and give us a good guide on how high we can set our goals this prep. We just don’t want to get too far ahead of ourselves at this stage.”

 

The New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association have opened applications for their two annual scholarships.

 

The International Management Scholarship, sponsored by the Sunline Trust, sends the successful candidate on an all-expenses paid, bonded trip of 30 weeks where they will experience the operational infrastructure, systems and management of three of the Northern hemisphere's leading stud farms.

 

The winner of the Keith and Faith Taylor Equine Scholarship will attend the five-month Breeding Diploma course at the world renowned Irish National Stud. The diploma is mainly of a practical nature and is designed to provide students with a hands-on approach in every aspect of horse breeding.

 

Many past recipients of the scholarships hold prominent positions in the New Zealand and International thoroughbred industry. They include Te Akau Racing trainer Jamie Richards, bloodstock agent Michael Wallace, Haunui Farm’s sales and marketing manager Shannon Taylor, and Highden Park co-owner and operator Libby Bleakley.

 

Applications close on July 31, more information can be found at: https://www.nzthoroughbred.co.nz/page/scholarships/