Wellington Cup day and Awapuni has good representation on a Premier day:
CAPITAL DIAMOND (Trainer Lisa Latta)
This filly has caught the eye since her resuming win at Awapuni by two and three qurter lengths in September. Two starts back she ran a gallant third behind Plante Rock and Abeautifulred in the Group One, One Thousand Guineas. She was beaten just over two lengths that day. At Awapuni in the Group Three Ezibuy Eulogy Stakes she again ran another big race for third this time behind Zurella and Testa Secret. She was just half a length from the winner that day and fought all the way to the line. She has been freshened since then with the New Zealand Oaks her main aim and as we know Lisa Latta has a great record in that race. Her work has been very good at Awapuni. Jonathan Riddell who was in Hong Kong when she started last is reunited and she has to be a big chance in the fifth the Desert Gold Stakes.
BOOMING (Trainer Jeff Lynds)
Caused a big upset when scoring in the Group One Thorndon Mile last year and will be looking to repeat this year. There was plenty to like about his last two starts. The first of those was at Wellington when running fifth behind Mufhasa in the Captain Cook over the mile. He was only just over three lengths behind Mufhasa that day. He then went to Ellerslie and was a respectable fifth behind Shez Sinsational in the Group One Zabeel Classic over 2000m. He hit the line very well that day. He is top weight this year but dont let that you detract from his chances. Masa Tanaka who is in very good form will do the riding in the sixth of the day.
PERO (Trainer Peter Hurdle)
Ran a big race when runner up at Awapuni on Manawatu Cup day back in December. He blew the start that day and ran a big race to go down half a head. He then went to Ellerslie and dwelt at the start again and ran a respectable race even though only running tenth. In the Dunstan Final he put in another top effort to run third behind Wellington Cup favourite Green Supreme. He has drawn nicely at three and if Jonathan Riddell can get him out of the gates he may be able to settle a touch handier. He looks big threat in the seventh of the day.
Group Racing Manager
Brent Wall