Cambridge trainer Tony Pike’s bid for a third Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (240m) title goes on the line at Ellerslie this weekend.
His Classic contenders Golden Century and Amazing Fluke have arrived at the fork in the road when the youthful stablemates again clash in the Gr.2 Eagle Technology Avondale Guineas (2100m).
Pike has previously won the Derby with Sherwood Forest (2020) and Rangipo (2016) and will know after the Guineas what firepower he will have at his disposal in his bid for a third success in the Blue Riband event.
“Saturday will tell a story and whether they are ready for the Derby, we know both of them will get the trip but it’s just whether they are mature enough to handle the preparation,” Pike said.
“It’s D-Day for both of them, but I think Golden Century is definitely a horse that can progress through.”
Ryan Elliot will partner Golden Century while Kevin Stott is aboard Amazing Fluke, and a change of tactics will come into play on Saturday after they finished fourth and third respectively in the Gr.2 Waikato Guineas (2000m).
“They ran okay and were probably both ridden a bit aggressively,” Pike said.
“I think with Golden Century that Ryan took off a bit early at Te Rapa and back to Ellerslie with a slightly quieter ride will help him.
“Obviously, we’ve always thought the 2400m will suit him, as long as he’s finding the line on Saturday, it will set him up for the Derby.”
Pike will make a gear adjustment to get the best out of Amazing Fluke.
“We’ll take the side winkers off, he just got too keen last time but still fought on quite well and we’ll ride him a lot quieter with the Derby in mind,” he said.
“I personally still think he’s a preparation away from it all, even though he’s got the ability.”
Pike’s other black-type contender at Ellerslie is Roederer in the Gr.3 Eagle Technology Avondale Cup (2400m).
“He’s been a bit stiff and last start in a slowly run race he was really strong late,” he said.
“He’s got an awkward barrier (18) so we’ll have to go back and ride for a bit of luck so it will be interesting to see where he fits in.
“This will give us a line as to whether we press on to the Auckland Cup (Gr.2, 3200m) or toward something else.”
The stable will also have two chances to get on the board early on Saturday with Lucy In The Sky and Boombox to debut in the opening event, the TAB 2YO (1100m).
“They have both trialled well, Lucy In The Sky has only had the one and was very professional and ran good time,” Pike said.
“She has got a good barrier (two) so it will be interesting to see how she goes, there’s some good race day form and strong trial form so it’s one of the better maiden two-year-old races we’ve had this season.
“She should run well and Boombox is still a bit new but has showed plenty of ability and drawn to get a soft trip so he’s not out of the race either.”
Of his other runners, Pike rated Dimaggio an each-way chance in the Bentley’s Chartered Accountants (1400m) following his last-start second to Derby favourite Willydoit.
