It’s not very often that Te Akau Racing take the underdog tag into any race, particularly the Group 1 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.
Darci 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 Clayton 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 Marantelli Bet 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 Group 3 Barneswood Farm Stakes (1400m) at Ashburton last month before finishing last in the Group 3 War Decree Stakes (1600m) at Riccarton on unideal Heavy 10 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.”
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