Regrettably, the much-anticipated appearance of the exciting three-year-old Tokyo Tycoon in the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton next month has been ruled out.
The heavy going at Hastings on Saturday proved too challenging for the Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-trained runner, with the -250 favourite finishing fifth in the Group 2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m).
“The track didn’t suit and Opie (Bosson, jockey) said he never felt comfortable,” co-trainer Sam Bergerson explained.
“It (track) was quite loose, and he couldn’t accelerate on that ground. I looked at him in the tie-ups after the race, and he was pretty knackered.”
Given Tokyo Tycoon’s fatigue and subpar performance, the decision was made to send the talented son of Satono Aladdin for a spell and redirect efforts towards the $1.5 million Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m) in January.
“He is going to go out for a spell,” explained Bergerson.
“We are going to give him three weeks out in the grass and let him recover, and then just aim him for the Karaka Million at the end of January.”
The Karaka Million had always been the primary target for Tokyo Tycoon, with the 2000 Guineas only considered recently when flight options between Auckland and Christchurch became available.
Bergerson elaborated, “It was always going to be a bit of a task trying to get him there (2000 Guineas).
“When he first came in, we were always going to have to look after him and mind him pretty well because he is not the biggest and there is not a lot to come and go on him.”
The disappointment extended to stablemate Campionessa, who fared poorly in the Group 1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) at Hastings, beating just one runner home and returning home unwell.
“Unfortunately, Campionessa picked up a bit of a bug on the way home and had a bit of a temperature on Sunday morning,” said Bergerson.
“She is going to go for a short break as well.”
Providing a glimmer of positivity, Bergerson reported that Aromatic, who finished seventh in the Arrowfield Stud Plate, is in good form.
“Aromatic is really good, it was just a pity that she got knocked over at the top of the straight.
“I thought she was strong enough through the line, and we are going to have a crack at the 2000m (Group 1 Livamol Classic, 2040m).
“The step up in trip will really suit her.”
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