Group One test after Hawera; Derby option for The Wolf; Kiwi mare chasing cup spot

Group One test after Hawera

Recite’s involvement in Saturday’s Gr.3 Rich Hill Stud Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes is a forerunner to her chase for a third top-flight victory.

The Hawera feature will serve as her lead-in to the Gr.1 Windsor Park Stakes at Trentham on October 24.

The John Bary-trained Recite resumed on the final day of the Hawke’s Bay carnival and performed admirably to finish a close second to Allez Eagle in the Gr.3 Spring Sprint.

Derby option for The Wolf

The Wolf holds a nomination for the Gr.1 Sothys NZ 2000 Guineas, but his presence at Riccarton has yet to be confirmed.

“We have got a good opinion of him,” co-trainer Johno Benner said. “He’s a switched off colt and he could be a Derby horse so we might have to look at a path that way.”

The Wolf was a maiden winner at Tauherenikau on Thursday in his third race day appearance.

Kiwi mare chasing cup spot

New Zealand-bred and owned mare Bohemian Lily will try to secure a Gr.1 Caulfield Cup start on Saturday.

She is one of eight runners in the Herbert Power Handicap striving to win the Group Two event in the hope of nailing down a cup spot.

Trained by Gai Waterhouse for Kevin Hickman, Kerrin McEvoy will ride Bohemian Lily who was a last-start second in the Gr.3 Colin Stephen Quality at Rosehill.