Last start winner Khufu (American Pharoah) will continue his progression towards the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai 49th New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) when he contests Saturday’s Gr.2 Dundeel at Arrowfield Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m) at Hastings.
The Tony Pike-trained three-year-old broke through for his maiden win at Hawera earlier this month and while Pike hadn’t planned on stepping him back up to stakes company so soon, track conditions dictated the next step in his preparation.
“We wanted to take an easier option with him through Matamata last week,” Pike said. “It is a big jump in class from a Hawera maiden but due to track conditions we were forced to scratch last week and head to the Guineas on Saturday. The better track conditions are going to suit.
“He is very progressive, we know how much ability he has got and it will be interesting to see how he matches up against the better three-year-olds. Hopefully he is on a Guineas path down to Riccarton.”
Meanwhile, Pike has already sent a seven-strong team south to Riccarton for their upcoming spring carnival and is looking forward to seeing several of the contingent launch their campaigns at Saturday’s meeting.
“We have a few kicking off at Riccarton this weekend,” he said. “Field of Gold runs in the three-year-old 1400m race. He won a weak maiden at Te Rapa but he is a horse we have always held in pretty high regard. He is Sherwood Forest’s half-brother and probably has a bit more brilliance than he had at three.
“I think the trip away will help him progress to the Guineas.
“There You Go has done well in stakes races even though she is still a maidener. She has come up really well this preparation and will kick off in the maiden 1400m. She is one that could get through to the Guineas.”
