Four-year-old entire Demonetization has pleased trainer Nigel Tiley and will have his second run back from an injury-enforced break when he tackles the Listed Team Wealleans Matamata Cup (1600m) on Saturday.
The winner of the Gr.2 Auckland Guineas (1600m) back in January, Demonetization was subsequently installed a warm favourite for the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) but failed to make the race due to a stress fracture of the fetlock.
“We haven’t had any problems with the injury whatsoever,” Tiley said.
The Pukekohe trainer was pleased with the fresh-up run of Demonetization over 1200m on his home track, where the son of All Too Hard finished fourth over an unsuitable trip.
“I was very happy with him,” Tiley said. “He didn’t have a hard run and he got to the line really well and has thrived since.
“He gets in well with the 54kg on his back on Saturday. He’s looking for the 1600m already. I would have run him first-up over 1400m but there just wasn’t anything suitable for him.
“He’s a pretty good horse and he is very forward, so I am expecting a good run.”
With rain in the Waikato region, the Matamata track was rated a Dead6 on Friday morning and a rain-affected surface will not hinder the chances of the four-year-old.
“He won the Auckland Guineas on a wet track, so a little bit of rain is not going to worry him at all,” he said.
The Gr.3 OMF Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie on Melbourne Cup day will be the likely next assignment for Demonetization as opposed to a trip to Riccarton.
“I’ve got him in the Coupland’s Mile, but I think at this stage of his preparation he would be better off staying a bit closer to home.”
