Pateman chasing Northern win

Amanood Lad (Steve Pateman) on his way to his second McGregor Grant Steeplechase win. (Photo: Trish Dunell/ NZ Racing Desk).

Champion Australian jumps jockey Steve Pateman will again cross the Tasman to ride Amanood Lad in his pursuit of a first Great Northern victory.

“It’s a unique race and while I understand it’s a . . . → Read More: Pateman chasing Northern win

Melbourne trips on the line

Highlad (Matt Cameron) getting up on the outside to win on debut at Avondale.

The performances at Wanganui of Luna Rossa and Highlad will have a major bearing on the future directions of their three-year-old campaigns.

The highly-regarded pair are potential Melbourne spring carnival candidates and their prospects of crossing the Tasman will be . . . → Read More: Melbourne trips on the line

Track Work 30 August 2016

LUNA ROSSA and HONEY RIDER look ready to perform well fresh when completing work on a dead number four grass at Cambridge this morning.

Galloping six meters out, LUNA ROSSA, who commences her Spring campaign at Wanganui this weekend, and HONEY RIDER, worked well together from the 1000 in 1:07.2, sprinting the final 600 . . . → Read More: Track Work 30 August 2016

Melbourne still target for Laing’s star

Memories Only, who is coming to hand nicely for an Australian campaign.

Smart Cambridge youngster Memories Only will be heading across the Tasman, but just when he goes has yet to be determined.

Breeder, owner and trainer Linda Laing has confirmed her intent to send Memories Only to Australia.

“He’s been back in work . . . → Read More: Melbourne still target for Laing’s star

First win from new base

Natalie Young and Trent Busuttin on the winner’s board from their Cranbourne base (Photo: Darryl Sherer).

Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young have posted their first winner since moving their training operation from Cambridge to Cranbourne last month.

The couple was successful on their new home track yesterday with Old Farm Road, whose victory eased . . . → Read More: First win from new base

Carradine ends frustrating run

An exasperating run of minor placings was finally ended for Cambridge trainer Gary Alton when moody four-year-old Carradine broke maiden ranks on debut at Matamata last week.

In a grandstand finish, the Keeper gelding powered home along the rails to snatch the victory by a half-head and provide his conditioner with his first win for . . . → Read More: Carradine ends frustrating run

Big fresh-up effort by Meeska Mooska

Meeska Mooska (Anna Jones) holding out Underthemoonlight at Hastings yesterday to provide sire El Hermano with the quinella.

Cambridge trainers Graham Thomas and Nick Smith pulled off a fine training feat to maintain the winning streak of stable star Meeska Mooska at Hastings yesterday.

Meeska Mooska had been off the scene for more than . . . → Read More: Big fresh-up effort by Meeska Mooska

Guineas contender on track

Ugo Foscolo, with rider Michael Coleman sporting the Cancer Society Daffodil colours, easily maintaining his unbeaten record at Hastings today.

Exciting three-year-old Ugo Foscolo didn’t get bogged down by the weight of expectation today at Hastings where he kicked off his classic campaign in perfect style.

The unbeaten son of Zacinto controlled the El . . . → Read More: Guineas contender on track

Sacred Elixir pleases in jumpout

Sacred Elixir, who is on target for a return to racing in Australia.

Sacred Elixir, last season’s NZ Champion Two-Year-Old, has passed his latest test in Australia with flying colours.

Cambridge trainer Tony Pike was delighted with the three-year-old’s effort in the hands of Damien Oliver in an 800-metre jumpout at Flemington yesterday.

“I . . . → Read More: Sacred Elixir pleases in jumpout

High trans-Tasman expectations

Makfi Challenge Stakes candidate No More Tears (Michael Coleman) scoring her second stakes win at Ellerslie. (Photo: NZ Racing Desk).

Stephen Marsh’s Group One hopes will be spread on Saturday with top-flight contenders on both sides of the Tasman.

The Cambridge trainer will be at Caulfield where Sofia Rosa opens her spring campaign in . . . → Read More: High trans-Tasman expectations