Darley next for speed machine; Tough mare gets her chance; Dukedom under injury cloud

Darley next for speed machine

Passing Shot is likely to make his next appearance in the Gr.3 Darley Plate at Ellerslie.

The four-year-old will head to the March 5 contest in top form after he proved too swift for his open class rivals at New Plymouth last Saturday.

“He’s a lot better on firmer tracks and he was too quick for them,” said Trevor McKee, whose son Stephen trains Passing Short.

Tough mare gets her chance

Girl Of My Dreams is to be given her opportunity at Group One level.

Trainer Nigel Tiley said she is an under-rated mare with a strong nature and her last-start win in the Gr.3 Taranaki Cup has put her on target for a tilt at higher honours.

“She has got a real tough streak about her and we’re going to run her in the New Zealand Stakes at Ellerslie. It’s a big step up, but she deserves her chance.”

Dukedom under injury cloud

The Steven Cole-trainer Dukedom is in doubt for the Gr.1 BMW New Zealand Derby.

The Bachelor Duke gelding raced fiercely when beaten in the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas last time out and didn’t come through the race unscathed.

“He was galloped on twice and he’s pulled a hamstring,” Cole told The Informant. “He probably should have run last, but at this stage he’s a very low chance of making it to the Derby.”