Group One performer Desert Lightning (NZ) (Pride of Dubai) will likely be given one final run this season before he heads for a spell in preparation for the spring.
The Pride Of Dubai gelding finished eighth last start in the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) and will return to a more favourable 2000m assignment in the Gr.3 Higgins Concrete Manawatu Classic at Awapuni on April 1.
“He just get didn’t get the distance in the Derby,” said Peter Williams, who trains in partnership with his wife Dawn.
“He is doing a quiet bit of work. He might go to the Manawatu Classic.
“We might have a look (at Australia), but he could be starting to get a bit tired.”
Desert Lightning was purchased by his trainers out of Little Avondale Stud’s 2021 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft for $150,000.
He has had a pleasing three-year-old term, winning the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) and placing in the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) and Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m), accruing more than $270,000 in earnings.
Meanwhile, Williams will line-up half a dozen runners at Pukekohe on Wednesday, including Pour The Wine (NZ) (Telperion), Montand (Shocking) and The Instigator (NZ) (Savabeel).
“Pour The Wine won at the trials the other day. She should go a good race provided the track doesn’t get too wet,” he said.
“Montand has drawn well (2) provided the track doesn’t get too bad on the inside, and he has been working well.
“The Instigator has drawn out in 15, but the draw might be a blessing when it comes to his race if is a wet track.”
