NZ Briefs for 31st March 2017

New staying blood for Te Akau; Top day for Myers; Tavago in running for cup berth;

New staying blood for Te Akau

Matamata trainers Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards will have a runner in the $A2 million Gr.1 Sydney Cup at Randwick on Saturday week.

Te Akau principal David Ellis has secured Teofilo’s son Chance To Dance, a stakes winner of seven races, at Thursday’s inaugural Inglis Chairman’s Sale of Elite Racing Prospects.

“I bought the horse for $A260,000 at the sales, through Jamie for John Galvin’s Fortuna Syndicate,” Ellis said.

“After the Sydney Cup we plan for him to campaign with the team of Te Akau horses bound for Brisbane, and following on we expect him to be a competitive weight-for-age and cups horse back in New Zealand.”

Chance To Dance won the Listed Carlingford Stakes in his last start for famed Irish trainer Jim Bolger before he was purchased by the Williams family.

He was a winner over 2400 metres for trainer Robert Hickmott three starts back at Caulfield and has subsequently filled two minor placings.

Top day for Myers

Wanganui trainer Kevin Myers celebrated a trans-Tasman double on Thursday.

He enjoyed a home track success with the Trina Riddell-prepared Ballet Choux, a Jimmy Choux filly he co-bred and part-owns.

And then in Australia, Myers’ colours were carried to victory by Steve Pateman aboard Zed Em in a steeplechase at Warrnambool. The six-year-old was sent to Victorian trainer Patrick Payne earlier this month.

The New Zealand-bred O’Ceirins Secret was also a maiden hurdle winner at Warrnambool.

Tavago in running for cup berth

Tavago’s fortunes have taken a major upward swing and he is now in contention for a start in the $A2 million Gr.1 Sydney Cup.

The New Zealand-bred son of Tavistock pulled up lame when he finished last in the Gr.1 The BMW at Rosehill last Saturday with fears of ligament or tendon damage.

However, co-trainer Trent Busuttin has told stewards scans and X-rays taken by his stable veterinarian were clear.

“Mr Busuttin advised that consideration was now being given to starting Tavago in the Sydney Cup, subject to the gelding continuing to please the stable and his veterinarian,” Racing NSW said.

Busuttin intends to run Tavago in a trial at Gosford on Tuesday before he makes a final decision.