Chief Stipe Posted March 3, 2019 Share Posted March 3, 2019 Prince Jabeel returns to Ellerslie for Saturday’s 3200-metre Auckland Cup. The Lance Noble -trained pair Prince Sabeel and Bavella are set to bounce back for Group One assignments at Ellerslie on Saturday. Both put in below-par performances at Matamata nine days ago, Prince Jabeel putting the first duck-egg next to his name in his 22nd start and Bavella managing only fifth in her attempt at an unbeaten hat-trick in the Matamata Breeders’ Stakes. “Things didn’t go to script – it was just one of those days you can have – but they both had excuses,” Noble said. “Prince Jabeel was fresh for the Kaimai Stakes and with the slow track on top of that he just didn’t get into it. “Bavella was fractious in the gates and from the time she missed the jump and got back nothing went her way. “The main thing is they’ve both come through the runs in good shape and I expect them to line up ready for what’s in store next weekend.” Prince Jabeel’s mission is the 3200-metre Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup, while Bavella will also step up to Group One firs the first time in the Sistema (Diamond) Stakes. “We decided to send Prince Jabeel out to Moira Murdoch for some work on the beach,” Noble added. “That’s worked for him before and I’m looking forward to seeing him over two miles again after his big effort in the Wellington Cup.” Prince Jabeel followed his Gr. 3 City Of Auckland Cup at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day with a brave performance for third at Trentham when carrying 59 kilos. Under the set weight and penalty conditions for the Auckland Cup he drops to 56.5 kg. Bavella lined up as favourite for the Matamata Breeders’ Stakes and is bound to have a big following again in the first Group One two-year-old race of the season. She won on debut at Ellerslie in October and was impressive again when stepping up to stakes level at Pukekohe in November. Lindsay Racing stable rider Leith Innes will be back in action on Saturday after returning from a five-week suspension. View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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