Briefs for 24th November 2014

Weight worries with Graphic; Stakes goal for maiden winner; Windborne tops Million table; Criterion ready for HK.

Weight worries with Graphic

Weight concerns prompted the scratching of Graphic from Saturday’s Avondale meeting.

“He had 59kg and if he won he would have been weighted out of every other race here,” co-trainer Chad Ormsby said.

“We’re trying to keep him here as long as possible and then look to an autumn campaign in Australia.”

The winner of five of his nine starts including the Gr.2 Wellington Cup in January, Graphic will make his next appearance in Saturday’s Gr.3 Eagle Technology Stakes at Ellerslie.

Stakes goal for maiden winner

Promising filly Palace Rock is likely to make the jump from maiden class to a black type race next time out.

She broke through for her first win in fine style at Avondale on Saturday and trainers Peter and Dawn Williams are keen to test her in the Gr.2 Cambridge Stud Eight Carat Classic at Ellerslie on Boxing Day.

The stable isn’t short on young talent and will have Vavasour, another last-start maiden winner, in Friday’s Gr.3 Wellington Stakes at Otaki.

Windborne tops Million table

Unbeaten filly Windborne is top of the order of entry for January’s Karaka Million after her last-start success in the Listed Murdoch Newell Stakes.

“She had probably already qualified for the Karaka Million with her win at Ellerslie but Saturday’s win cemented her place as a live chance in the race,” trainer Jason Bridgman said.

“It is a hard race to win, there are no guarantees but it is what she has been set for.

“She has pulled up 100 per cent and will have a freshen up before going to the Eclipse Stakes on New Year’s Day into the Karaka Million.

“After that, she will follow the traditional two-year-old races like the Matamata Breeders Stakes, Diamond Stakes and Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes – all going well.”

Criterion ready for HK

New Zealand-bred and owned galloper Criterion will complete his Hong Kong preparation with an exhibition gallop at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

Last season’s dual Group One Rosehill Guineas and Australian Derby winner has been set for the Gr.1 Hong Kong Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin on December 8 by new trainers David Hayes and Tom Dabernig.

Raced by his breeder Sir Owen Glenn, Criterion hasn’t raced since he finished fifth in the Gr.1 Mackinnon Stakes at Flemington.