It’s not very often that Te Akau Racing take the underdog tag into any race, particularly the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m), but that’s the case this weekend with their representative When Stars Align.
The trans-Tasman operation has a strong record in the Riccarton feature, having won seven previous editions – Noverre (2021), Embellish (2017), Xtravagant (2015), Rock ‘N’ Pop (2011), Tell A Tale (2008), Darci Brahma (2005) and King’s Chapel (2003) – with current co-trainer Mark Walker having trained the latter three.
Draci Brahma also went on to have success in the race as a sire, with his son Catalyst taking out the 2019 running for the Oaks Stud and trainer Calyton Chipperfield, with jockey Troy Harris in the saddle.
Trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson have sent just the one contender for the race down to their Riccarton base this year, When Stars Align, who is friendless in the TAB Market, sitting as a $34 outsider in the eight-horse field.
The son of Zoustar has had three starts in the south, including a placing in the Gr.3 Barneswood Farm Stakes (1400m) at Ashburton last month before finishing last in the Gr.3 War Decree Stakes (1600m) at Riccarton on unideal Heavy10 footing.
Te Akau’s Riccarton stable foreman Hunter Durrant said he can be forgiven for his last start performance, and while he faces a stiff task this weekend against some quality opposition, he is expecting a bold showing from the colt.
“We had to run him last start, we couldn’t afford to miss a run,” Durrant said. “He didn’t like the wet track. He has been bright ever since, his work has been second to none, and I couldn’t be any happier with him.
“The market is not picking him and there are a couple of handy ones in there, but I think he will be in it for a while.
“Te Akau has had a strong record in this race, especially with our colts, so it would be nice to get another one.”
Earlier on the card, the stable will have a two-pronged attack in the Listed Nautical Boat Insurance Metropolitan Trophy (2600m) courtesy of Fierce Flight and Mehzebeen.
Fierce Flight has mixed his form heading into the race, while Mehzebeen takes a last start runner-up performance in the Waverley Cup (2200m) into Saturday.
“On his day Fierce Flight is a super horse and stepping up over more ground now is more suited to him,” Durrant said.
“Mezhebeen’s form is great, and she was tough last start. She has travelled down well, she has been here previously and knows the system down here. Her work has been great through the week, so we expect her to run really well.”
Te Akau Racing will also have dual representation in the NZB Ready To Run Sale Trainers Series Premier (1400m) courtesy of last start winner Vivacious and Mazzucato.
“Vivacious has improved since arriving in the South Island, and last start has backed that,” Durrant said. “She has really shown what she is capable of and has put the writing on the wall. She has improved since and her work has been super, so we are expecting a bold effort.
“Mazzucato knows the system well down here. She has had a couple of trials to prepare and she is going very strongly.”
The stable will also line-up Beau Brummel in the Gold Club Premier (2000m), Insatiable in the Garrards Horse & Hound Premier(1100m), and Caravella in the Listed Donaldson Brown Pegasus Stakes (1000m).