Wexford Stables have the future in the forefront of their minds with a couple of juvenile debutants at Te Rapa on Sunday.
Andrew Scott, who operates the Matamata stable alongside Lance O’Sullivan, has engaged Ribkraka and Tristar in the Five Stags Leamington 2YO (1100m), where they hope to advance their education ahead of their three-year-old season.
Joe Doyle will take the reins from the ace draw aboard Ribkraka, the Ribchester colt closely related to Group Three winners Elephant and Melt.
“He may find the 1100m a bit sharp, but there’s some longer two-year-old races this autumn, and once he gets out over 1400m, he’ll hit his straps,” Scott said.
“Drawing near the inside gives him a nice educational experience, covering away with horses around them and avoiding being posted wide. It just makes things easier, particularly for a big, scopey horse such as Ribkraka.
“He’s a promising staying three-year-old for the future.”
Stablemate Tristar will be ridden by Sam Spratt from barrier three.
“She’s a filly that might lack experience, but she makes that up in ability,” Scott said.
“She’s another aided by a good barrier, with a top jockey in Sam Spratt aboard. She’s been quickening well at the trials, and while she’s got a lot to learn, she can make her presence felt.
“She’s a filly that you can follow with confidence as a three-year-old, she’s got a good turn of foot.”
Later on the Te Rapa card, I’munstoppable will make another black-type bid in the Sharrock Syndications 3YO (1200m), after finishing midfield last-start in the Listed Uncle Remus Stakes (1200m).
Prior to the Ellerslie feature, the Charm Spirit filly had maintained a solid record with five top-four finishes in as many starts, including a pair of victories.
“She might have just come to the end of her preparation on the quick ground at Ellerslie, so we put her out on the farm for a good couple of weeks,” Scott said.
“She did a bit of work out there in a new environment and she’s come back into the stable with fresh batteries.
“She’s having a run on Sunday in preparation for the Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (Gr.3, 1200m), we would love to get some black-type with her in a few weeks’ time.”
Kingfisher posted his most recent success at the Waikato course three starts back, and Scott indicated a downgrade from the current Good 4 (Friday) track conditions would benefit the Savabeel gelding.
“He just caught a few tails last time out and was a bit unlucky,” Scott said. “He’s another with a bit of rain on the ground, will make him more competitive, he loves getting his toe in.
“He’s got ability to go up to open grade, so hopefully he can take that next step this weekend.”
Silver Javelin, Little Bit Of Love and Canny Man will go head-to-head in the Laser Plumbing Hamilton East 1300, with the former preparing for her favoured winter track conditions in the coming months.
“Silver Javelin has come back bigger and stronger, and should be in for a really good winter,” Scott said.
“She’s a mare that has taken a bit longer to come to the fore this time but should benefit a fair bit with the run on the weekend.
“Little Bit Of Love rattled home last start, and stepping up that 100 yards in trip should suit. He’s in good form and is a promising galloper. We expect him to finish strongly.
“Canny Man loves the soft tracks and should be in for a good winter campaign as well, but he may find the track a touch quick on Sunday. The run will fit him up for the soft tracks when they arrive.”
