Matamata trainer Graham Richardson will head to Sydney with Group One winner Volpe Veloce after her pleasing performance at the Taupo trials when second behind More Wonder on Wednesday.

 

“She was flying, it was good to see,” Richardson said. “She is just happy in her work.”

 

The winner of last year’s Gr.1 Railway Stakes (1200m) has pleased Richardson with the way she has returned this season and she will attempt to add another Railway title to her tally after a Sydney spring campaign.

 

“She’s definitely bigger and stronger,” he said. “She’s got a bit of middle about her now and she is fully developed.

 

“She will be off to Sydney now for two or three starts and then head fresh into the Railway.

 

“We haven’t confirmed which races she will contest yet, but there are options on September 7, 14 and 21.”

 

Richardson said he has some nice horses coming through the stable, including a two-year-old colt by Vancouver and fillies by Epaulette and Manhattan Rain which were impressing him, in addition to three-year-old trial winner Red Hussar.

 

The Matamata horseman was also looking forward to the return of five-win mare La Mia Stella, while Group One place-getter Tiptronic was likely to have a quiet trial at Te Teko next week as he furthered his spring preparations. – NZ Racing Desk

 

 

The annual Waikato stallion tour, organised by the Waikato branch of the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, will take place this weekend.

 

A bus will be available, however, space is limited. To book a spot or for more information conact Scott Buchanan 0226131631.

 

Saturday – August 24

9.15am Bus leaves NZTBA Office – 9 Anzac Street, Cambridge

9.45am – Valachi Downs (Savile Row, Zacinto, US Navy Flag) + coffee cart

10.50am - Mapperley Stud (Complacent, Contributor, Puccini, He’s Remarkable, Summer Passage)

11.50am – Matamata Racecourse (Ocean Emperor) + Prize Draw

12.20pm – Rich Hill Stud (Proisir, Satono Aladdin, Shocking, Vadamos, Ace High) + lunch

1.45pm – Waikato Stud ( Savabeel, Sacred Falls, Ocean Park, Tivaci, Rock ‘n’ Pop, Ardrossan)

3.30pm – Brighthill Farm (Eminent, Perfectly Ready, Dalghar, Preferment).

5pm – Bus returns to NZTBA Office

 

Sunday – August 25

9.30am Bus leaves NZTBA office

10.10 – Highview Stud (Wrote, Bullbars, Sweet Orange) + coffee cart.

11am – Norwegian Park (What’s The Story, Echoes of Heaven)

11.35am – Windsor Park Stud (Rip Van Winkle, Shamexpress, Charm Spirit, Mongolian Khan, Turn Me Loose, Ragese, Vanbrugh).

12.40pm – The Oaks Stud (Niagara, Darci Brahma, Roc De Cambes) + lunch

1.45pm – Novara Park (Sweynesse, Staphanos)

2.30pm – Cambridge Stud (Almanzor, Tavistock, Burgundy, Embellish)

3.45pm – Bus returns to NZTBA Office