Journalists Wandering Eyes Posted 10 hours ago Journalists Share Posted 10 hours ago El Vencedor is on target for next month’s Group 1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) following his pleasing trial victory at Matamata on Tuesday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Top-flight winner El Vencedor is in a happy place as he prepares to double his tally at the elite level. Last season’s Group 1 New Zealand Stakes (2000m) victor enjoyed a spin around Matamata on Tuesday, romping home by six lengths in the hands of Rory Hutchings in a 1200m open trial. “He had a lovely day out, he galloped beautifully and pulled up great,” trainer Stephen Marsh said. “He’ll be at Ellerslie on February 1 for an open 1500m and then on to the Herbie Dyke Stakes (Group 1, 2000m). “He’s right back where we want him, he’s well and a very happy horse.” El Vencedor won the Group 3 Balmerino Stakes (2000m) in the spring but then tailed the field home in the Group 1 Mufhasa Classic (1600m) before finishing a gallant third behind Snazzytavi and La Crique in the Group 1 Zabeel Classic (2000m). “He missed the jump at Trentham, did a bit of work and the track was a bit off, but it was a below par effort before he bounced back at Ellerslie,” Marsh said. “It was basically catch me if you can and even Rory said the mares would have to be good to beat him, as it ended up they were good enough, but I still thought he was terrific.” Stablemate and last-start Group 2 Rich Hil Mile (1600m) winner Bourbon Empress also stretched her legs at the trials and finished runner-up over 1000m ahead of her next test in the $1 million Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie. “She’s a mare that keeps on improving and everything we do with her, she just keeps on getting better and better,” Marsh said. Meanwhile, Nest Egg has mixed his form in the lead-up to Saturday’s Group 3 Wellington Cup (3200m) and hopes of a turnaround in fortunes have been boosted by the booking of Warren Kennedy. “Not a lot has gone right, but Warren seems to be the man that has always got on well with him,” Marsh said. “The horse’s work has been great, he went out to the beach on Monday and he’s well and happy. The track should be good, so he gets his chance to get back into form, but it has been a very in and out campaign.” Also in action at Trentham will be the promising filly Bellarista in the Group 3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) and last-start winner Sinhaman. “Bellarista hasn’t put a foot wrong and it’s an even field, she had her final piece of work this (Wednesday) morning and she’s hard to fault,” Marsh said. “Sinhaman just loves getting over a bit of ground and he’s a nice, progressive horse.” Marsh also has a big team engaged at Te Rapa on Thursday and believed Penman, runner-up in his only two starts, as one of his best chances when he steps out in the Waikato Draught Maiden (1400m). “He’s going really well and he’s just going to need a bit of luck from the draw (11),” he said. Horse racing news View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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