The Tony Pike-trained duo of Rangipo and Raghu, who finished first and third respectively in the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby, are likely to head to Queensland this winter.
Hong Kong-owned Raghu will be head to the Sunshine State prior to ultimately being relocated to his owner’s homeland.
“Raghu’s coming back into work on Monday,” Pike said. “He had a fortnight out after the Derby.
“I’m going to sit down with the owners and contemplate Queensland. Obviously last week’s Hong Kong Derby winner Werther went to Queensland before he went to Hong Kong last year so we should have plenty of time to do that.
“We are still deciding what sort of path we should take — whether we go down the Derby path with the two lead up races into the Derby or look at maybe the Queensland Guineas at the mile.”
Pike is contemplating taking on older horses with ultra consistent New Zealand Derby winner Rangipo.
“He’ll most likely get to Queensland as well,” he said. “I’m just weighing up whether we try and stretch him out or I was actually a little bit keen on running him fresh up in the Stradbroke off a light weight.”
