NZ Briefs for 30th September 2015

Mosse ready for Hastings return; Change of plan for Volkstok’n’barrell; Classic options for first-up winner; Equine scholarships now open; RTR Sale correction

Mosse ready for Hastings return

A team effort has the talented Mosse ready to resume his interrupted career at Hastings on Saturday.

The John Bell and Mark Donoghue-trained seven-year-old, who has five wins and three placings from his 10 starts, will return to racing in the Gr.3 Linwood Park Stud Sprint.

“He’s in a much better space than he was starting off his campaign last year,” Bell said. “Mark has done a tremendous job with him, as have all the staff, and it will be quite a thrill to see him back. I’m sure he’ll run a positive race.”

While Mosse has yet to be tested beyond 1400 metres, the O’Reilly gelding’s long-term aim is the Easter Handicap over a mile.

Change of plan for Volkstok’n’barrell

Donna Logan and Chris Gibbs have had a change of mind with Volkstok'n'barrell and will now run the four-year-old at Flemington on Sunday.

The Ruakaka trainers had originally intended to bypass the Gr.1 Turnbull Stakes, but they have decided on a quick back-up.

Volkstok’n’barrell finished fifth in last Saturday’s Gr.1 Underwood Stakes with a performance that pleased Logan.

“He had a really good blow afterwards so that will help to tighten him up and he’s going in the right direction,” Logan said. “He’s come out of it absolutely spot on.”

Classic options for first-up winner

The Sothys 2000 Guineas may come up too soon for What’s The Story, but Stephen McKee has a lucrative Group One alternative.

The Savabeel colt made a winning debut over 1200 metres at Ruakaka on Wednesday off three trial outings.

“He’s got a bit of quality and he would need to get a rattle on for the 2000 Guineas, but there is the Derby to think of,” said McKee, who prepares the three-year-old with Eddie Chippendale.

Equine scholarships now open

Applications are open for the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Sunline Trust Scholarships.

The International Management Scholarship, sponsored by the Sunline Education Trust, offers work experience at three of the world’s premier farms - Cheveley Park Stud in England, Coolmore Stud in Ireland and Taylor Made in the United States.

The second scholarship is to the Irish National Stud at Kildare to attend a five-month Diploma Course and is sponsored by the Keith and Faith Taylor Charitable Trust.

RTR Sale correction

The second lot through the ring at NZ Bloodstock’s upcoming Ready to Run Sale is a bay colt by Man Of Power out of the Grosvenor mare Powers.

After an incorrect horse was initially entered by the vendor a correction has been made to the online catalogue.

The sale will be held at Karaka on November 18 and 19 with breeze-ups at Te Rapa on October 19 and 20.