Show Pony (NZ) (Vespa) made a big impression the last time he travelled south to Wingatui, and on Saturday, he’ll be out to continue that winning form at stakes level in the Listed Property Brokers – Ray Kean Dunedin Guineas (1600m).
The son of Vespa has already proven himself in strong company, finishing fourth in the Gr.3 Barneswood Farm Stakes (1400m) and was the best of the rest behind NZB Kiwi-bound filly Pivotal Ten in the Listed Gore Guineas (1335m) last start.
John Blackadder had particular respect for the Gore performance when the gelding pulled up slightly shin-sore, an issue the gelding indicated he was on top of with a strong exhibition gallop at Ashburton last Sunday.
“I didn’t know it at the time, but he got a wee bit shinny during the Gore Guineas, so we’ve fixed that, he had some time off,” he said.
“He had a good run along at the races on Sunday and galloped on the beach on Wednesday morning, both of which he’s come through really well.
“I think he’ll get the mile quite well, and if he performs well, we’ll head to Wellington on the 22nd for the Guineas (Gr.2, 1400m).”
While Show Pony may be the new kid on the block, his stablemate Ears Back (NZ) (Jakkalberry) is accustomed to taking on the big guns and she will do just that in the Gr.3 White Robe Lodge Weight For Age (1600m).
The Jakkalberry mare is a six-time winner over a mile, including an impressive performance two starts back to win the Timaru Cup (1600m). She followed that up with a close third behind subsequent winners The Good Shepherd and Betty Spaghetti at Wingatui, but when returning for the Listed Hazlett Stakes (1400m) a fortnight later, she was late scratched after uncharacteristically refusing to load into the barriers.
She was required to barrier trial and did so with a very quiet 1000m heat on Tuesday at Ashburton, where all went to plan.
“She got her barrier certificate, which is all we needed,” Blackadder said.
“She’d had an exhibition gallop on Sunday at the races with Show Pony and she galloped very well, Lily Sutherland who rode her was very happy with her.
“I think she’s right up to it, it’s unfortunate that we couldn’t get a run at Wingatui last start but that was her own doing.”
Joining the pair at Wingatui will be Amiinit (NZ) (Eminent) ride all three of Blackadder’s contenders.
“She just got cleaned out in the first couple of hundred meters, there were about four or five horses going for one position and she got shuffled back, to no fault of anyone,” Blackadder said.
“Once you get back at Ascot, it’s pretty hard to make up ground from there.
“She’s very well and the 1600 should suit her.”
Blackadder is looking forward to the journey south from his base at Rangiora, noting the significance the inaugural Otago Classics Day has for the wider South Island community.
“It’s magnificent for South Island racing, all of the tables are booked out at Wingatui and it should be a big crowd and a good spectacle,” he said.
“You’ve got the best horses in the South Island there, as well as a few coming down from the north, which makes it even more competitive. It’s a truly fantastic idea.”
