Longchamp Possible Melbourne Contender
Promising youngster Longchamp is likely to have a jump-out at Levin next week to further his spring three-year-old preparation.
“He’s come up well and strengthened and if he fronts up he might be on a plane to Melbourne,” said trainer Andrew Campbell, whose stable star Cauthen is on a path to the Gr.1 Cox Plate.
Longchamp’s first serious test is likely to come in the Gr.2 DHL Hawke’s Bay Guineas on October 4.
The colt was a debut winner at Otaki last November before he finished fifth, after he was hampered by a fallen runner, in the Listed Karaka Million and was turned out following an unplaced run in the Gr.3 Taranaki Classic.
Rangatira’s Northern Hopes Dashed
A scan on Tuesday revealed talented jumper Rangatira has a serious tendon injury, sustained during his Wellington Steeplechase victory last Saturday, ruling him out of a defence of his 2013 Great Northern Steeplechase title.
“When I got him home I wondered if there might something brewing, so I got the vet in and wouldn’t you know it, he’s gone and bowed the tendon,” trainer Steve Gulliver said.
“He’s had no problems in the past, he’s always been sound as, but racing is racing, it’s bloody disappointing for me and everyone else. We were really looking forward to having another crack at the Northern.”
Rangatira is now on box rest as of vet advice, with Gulliver hoping to get him back to his best.
Lincoln Street Wins On Debut
New Zealand’s leading trainer Lisa Latta unleashed a promising juvenile at Hastings on Thursday when Lincoln Street made a winning debut.
“He’s a lovely horse and he’s won a couple of jump outs so we were quietly confident today,” said Latta.
With the Listed Ryder Stakes only nine days away, Latta isn’t opposed to a quick turnaround for the two-year-old.“We’ll just wait and see. I’m thinking about the Ryder in the back of my mind, but we’ll see how he comes through it today.”
Milestone Treble For Collett At Tauranga
Wednesday’s programme at Tauranga was a day full of milestones for jockey Sam Collett, who finished the day with a treble as well as reaching 50 wins for the season and 300 career wins.
From only four rides Collett guided Thornbird Lass, Sweet Molly, and Jordanian Prince to victory, and finished second on her other mount Guru’s Spirit.
“When I got back from Macau last season I set myself a goal of 50 wins for this season, so it’s great to have achieved it,” said Collett.
Collett will take her final rides of the current season at Te Rapa on Saturday before travelling to Glasgow to support her partner weightlifter Cody Cole who is representing New Zealand at the Commonwealth Games.
