Briefs for 12th March 2015

Kiwi three-year-olds set to do battle in Sydney; Vavasour set for Australian Oaks; Gelded Bordeaux trials well; Oliver back for new stable.

Kiwi three-year-olds set to do battle in Sydney

Mongolian Khan and Volkstok’n’barrell will renew their three-year-old rivalry on Australian soil.

The Gr.1 New Zealand Derby winner has already made his way across the Tasman while the connections of the Ellerslie classic runner-up have confirmed they will be following suit.

“We’re going to have a go at Sydney and he’ll fly over next week,” Volkstok’n’barrell’s part-owner Garry Cossey said.

“We’ll be targetting the Rosehill Guineas, which looks a good race for him over 2000 metres, and provided he runs up to expectations we’ll look at the Derby two weeks later.”

Volkstok’n’barrell finished a gallant second to Mongolian Khan at Ellerslie and came through his 2400 metre test in fine order.

“He bounced out of it surprisingly well,” Cossey said. “Donna (Logan) weighed him on the Monday after and he had only lost six kilos.

“He’s really thrived since and there’s no reason why he shouldn’t have a go in Sydney.”

Matt Cameron has been aboard Volkstok’n’barrell in seven of his eight starts and in all five of the Tavistock gelding’s wins, but Australian riding engagements have yet to be decided.

“There’s nothing confirmed at this stage with a few options floating around,” Cossey said.

Vavasour set for Australian Oaks

A tilt at next month's Gr.1 $A1 million Australian Oaks remains firmly on the table for talented South Auckland filly Vavasour.

Byerley Park trainers Peter and Dawn Williams opted against tackling Saturday's Gr.1 Wellfield New Zealand Oaks at Trentham with the Group Two-winning Redoute's Choice filly, but plan on sending her to Sydney for the Randwick 2400m three-year-old fillies classic on April 11.

"She'll run in a Rating 85 mile on the 28th and provided she runs a fair race, we'll press on for the Oaks in Sydney. We don't expect her to win over 1600m, but so long as she runs a good race, we'll carry on," Peter Williams said.

Vavsour, who finished eighth after setting the pace in last month's Gr.1 New Zealand Derby at Ellerslie, is tentatively booked to fly to Sydney on April 8 for her hit-and-run Oaks mission.

Gelded Bordeaux trials well

Former high-priced yearling Bordeaux will resume his three-year-old career as a gelding.

“He didn’t have the temperament as a colt so we had to make that decision,” trainer Jason Bridgman said.

A son of High Chaparral from Darci Brahma’s family, Bordeaux was a $620,000 Karaka purchase who failed to flatter at Te Aroha last November in his first race day appearance.

He finished second in a maiden trial at Rotorua during the week and will be seen out on race day in the near future.

Oliver back for new stable

Josh Oliver will return from injury at Tauranga on Saturday week from new quarters.

The 19-year-old, who suffered a broken wrist and concussion in a fall at Rotorua in January, has transferred his apprenticeship to Keith and Brendon Hawtin.

“He started work for us last Monday and it’s a good opportunity for him over here at Te Awamutu,” Brendon Hawtin said.

“He’s had a lot of support from trainers over here so it made sense to come here rather than one of the bigger centres.”

Previously with Tauranga trainer Brian McKeagg, Oliver has ridden 19 winners this season to take his career tally to 29.

“He’s just one win off claiming two kilos,” Hawtin said. “He’s riding very well and keen to get back.”