PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK

Our Alley Cat

It was a much deserved black-type breakthrough for Our Alley Cat and Vicki Prendergast, with the talented mare claiming the Gr.3 Valley D’Vine Restaurant Spring Sprint. Given Our Alley Cat had already placed five times at stakes level, it was an overdue stakes win for the daughter of Atlante, who now has the all-important black-type win on her pedigree page. The dominant 2.8L victory was also made that much more special by also being trainer Vicki Prendergast’s first win at Group & Listed level. Going off Saturday’s performance, I’m sure connections will have their eye on more black-type targets moving through the Spring and Summer ahead.

RIDE OF THE WEEK

Canheroc

It was a classic Opie Bosson ride that saw Canheroc salute in race 2 at Hastings on Saturday. Barrier 15 didn’t prove to be as much of a hurdle as it looked on paper for the champion jockey, as he slotted in behind midfield with cover comfortably before the first bend. From there, Bosson and Canheroc blended into the race perfectly before the turn, slicing between runners and presented into clear air turning in. Opie let the progressive stayer go through his gears, running the fastest closing 800m, 600m, 400m and 200m of the race in doing so. It was one of four victories for Opie on the day, reminding us all why he is one of the best in the business.

FUTURES FOLLOW

Geriatrix

Geriatrix was coming into this maiden 1300m contest at Taupo off the back of being beaten by the testing conditions more than anything on debut at Avondale. The Almanzor colt showed his true colours on Wednesday, as he flew home to win impressively, recording the fastest closing 800m, 600m, 400m and 200m of the race. The way he finished off over 1300m suggests the extra distance going forward will suit him down to the ground. Geriatrix currently holds a nomination for the Gr.1 2000 Guineas in November, where he is currently priced around the $12 mark, in a market dominated by the unbeaten Crocetti. Beyond November, the Gr.1 NZ Derby could be a potential aim for the talented colt, with Asterix saluting for the same connections in 2022.

SMALL STABLE

Caley Myers, Chris Turner, Clare Dravitzki, Mark Evans, David Haworth

The small stables held their own at Waverley on Thursday, with trainers who have less than 5 runners in their stable winning 5 of the 10 races. Race 1 was won emphatically by McDreamy, who is trained by Caley Myers (Stable of 4). Chris Turner (Stable of 2) brought up his first win of the season with his first runner, Scelta Di Elena, who came away late for an easy victory. Schuski dead-heated for 1^st in Race 6, trainer Clare Dravitzki (Stable of 3) getting her first win of the season. Race 7 was taken out by Metaverse, who clung on to win for trainer Mark Evans (Stable of 3). David Haworth (Stable of 4) rounded off the day for the small stables, with Kanuka stomping down centre track to claim the last on the card.

FLASHING LIGHT

Grail Seeker

It was hard to miss the eye-catching late finish of Grail Seeker, with the lightly tried 3yo filly storming home and running the fastest closing 800m, 600m 400m and 200m of the race. She didn’t look to have many favours throughout the run, where she was caught wide and only balanced up late down the 300m Taupo straight. She does hold a nomination for the Gr.1 1000 Guineas & Gr.1 2000 Guineas in November, however, that may come up too quickly for her as a maiden galloper. She looks to have plenty of ability and I expect she will be clearing her maiden status in the very near future.