Set to atone
Hastings, G1 Windsor Park Plate, $200,000, 1600m
Avantage (Fastnet Rock) didn’t help her cause in the G1 Tarzino Trophy with a tardy getaway and recovered to finish third. With a cleaner start from an ideal gate she can bounce back.
Trainer Jamie Richards holds a decent hand with Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands) and Prise De Fer (NZ) (Savabeel). A question mark over the former is her lack of recent racing, but she is all class, while the latter was a string third in the G2 Foxbridge Plate and the rise in trip will suit him ideally.
Jennifer Eccles (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) gave a grand sight when fourth on the first day and will strip fitter for the outing and Two Illicit (NZ) (Jimmy Choux {NZ}) won in a lower grade when resuming and she’s a quality performer with each way prospects.
Callsign Mav (NZ) (Atlante) made use of a perfect barrier to upset in the Tarzino and while he’s drawn wider, he deserves respect again. Supera (NZ) (Savabeel) finished runner-up and the mile gives her another royal chance.
Loire (NZ) (Redoute’s Choice) and Vancooga (NZ) (Proisir) both made late ground in the Tarzino, but may need further to show their best. Germanicus (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) had no luck in the opening day feature at Hastings and from a better draw can’t be discounted.
No need to say more
Hastings, G2 Dundeel at Arrowfield Hawke’s Bay Guineas, $100,000, 1400m
The unbeaten Need I Say More (No Nay Never {USA}) was a dashing winner when resuming at Te Rapa and only looks to need luck from a tricky gate to shine again.
Aegon (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}) was an impressive winner on debut and in a manner that suggested he won’t be troubled by a rise in grade. Stablemate Suffused (Choisir) was a good second on the first day and looks a place chance again, at worst.
Kobe Rocks NZ) (Rock ‘N’ Pop) was fourth in that race and he’s a chance on that effort of a minor slice of the prize while Bourbonaire (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) didn’t have much luck last time out and his previous victory might be a better guide to his prospects.
