Star youngster Velocious will have the opportunity to redeem herself on a better surface at Hastings on Saturday.
Much was expected of the daughter of Written Tycoon when she opened her three-year-old campaign at Taupo last month, but she produced an indifferent display when she trailed in fourth in a five-horse field.
Trainer Stephen Marsh is hoping improved underfoot conditions in the Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) will turn her fortunes around on the opening day of the Hawke’s Bay carnival.
“All of her best runs have been on Good tracks, the three times she has been beaten have been on rain-affected tracks,” Marsh said.
“She probably needed that Taupo run a bit more than we initially thought as well. We will get a much better line on her on Saturday.”
Last season’s Group 1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) and Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) winner will again be partnered in the Gold Trail by Craig Grylls, while Joe Doyle will continue his association with stablemate Super Photon.
The Super Seth colt will bid to add to his black-type record when last season’s Listed Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre Stakes (1200m) winner lines up in the Listed El Roca – Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m).
Super Photon suffered his first defeat when he finished runner-up at Taupo behind Savaglee.
“He has come through that first-up run very, very well and he just had a little bit of mucus found after the race,” Marsh said.
“We feel he is a big improver, he’s scoped clean and his bloods are clean. He hasn’t missed a beat and 1200m on a better track will be ideal for him.”
Marsh’s other runner at Hastings will be three-time winner Merchant Queen in the Vet Services Equine Hawke’s Bay Premier (1200m).
“I really rate her and she’s a fast improver from Taupo. Her work has been very good and, again, back on a better track she’s ready to go,” he said.
Last season’s Group 1 New Zealand Stakes (2000m) winner El Vencedor will head in the opposite direction this weekend for his resuming run in the open 1400m Open Handicap at Ruakaka.
“He’s in good shape, but he never does much first up. The trip to Ruakaka and the run will fit him up nicely and he’ll go to the middle leg (Group 1 Arrowfield Stud Plate, 1600m) at Hawke’s Bay,” Marsh said.
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