Sweepstake and Stephenstihls, who are probable race rivals at Trentham on Saturday, were impressive in sem-final gallops at Awapuni this morning
03 January 2017
Tuesday - January 3rd
By RON GURNEY
Sweepstake and Stephenstihls, who are probable race rivals at Trentham on Saturday, were impressive in sem-final gallops at Awapuni this morning.
All fast work during a quiet session took place on the plough (good), where Sweepstake and Stephenstihls (3yo 1400m) were paired over a solid 1000m in 1.2.6, the last 600 in 36.5. Sweepstake finished third in the 1000 Guineas last start and is nominated for the Levin Classic (Trentham) later this month with a view to the NZ Oaks in March.Stephenstihls, who is also stakes placed, is a last-start maiden winner from the New Zealand Cup meeting at Riccarton, and he holds nominations for the Levin Classic and the NZ Derby.
Marton meeting entrant Clubs Choice (r75 1400m), unplaced when resuming on Boxing Day, sped over 1000m on her own in 1.2.7, the last 600 in 37.1, and Paddy Bourke (r85 1200m) followed soon after with 800m in 50.3, the last 600 in 37.4. Jimmy Choux's half-sister Choux Mania (by Redoubte's Choice), who is yet to pay a dividend in five career starts, warmed up from the 800m (57.8) to run home 600m in 37.5. Carnaby and Handsome Return, both in the r65 mile on Saturday, were on terms throughout 1000m in 1.6.3, the last 600 in 38.9, while their race rival Johnny Lincoln and Almo Street (3yo 1400m) were kept to 800m in 52.4 and 38.3. A Falkirk filly and a Raise The Flag gelding, both trained by Laura Knight, came up with 53.4 and 38.6. A Roc de Cambes filly and a Faltaat gelding, two more from Knight's barn, went 54.2 and 38.8. Marton Cup runner China Star had Leah Hemi aboard over 1000m in 1.7.5, the last 600 in 39.6, and Beefeater (r85 mile) went a few minutes earlier in 1.7.9 and 39.3. Leading Role and Queen Bexs sprinted 600m in 39.1.