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Hi Yo Sass Bomb thriving ahead of Thorndon Mile
A stray nail may have derailed her early summer plans, but Taranaki mare Hi Yo Sass Bomb (Complacent) is reportedly thriving ahead of her return in Saturday’s Thorndon Mile (Gr 2, 1600m) at Trentham. The seven-year-old was in outstanding form through the spring, landing both the Breeders’ Stakes (Gr 3, 1400m) and Thompson Handicap (Gr 3, 1600m) in October. Trainer and part-owner Kim Reid had hoped to push on to elite-level targets, but a foot issue intervened. “She had a nail go into her foot the week prior to the Mufhasa, so that put us on the backburner for a couple of weeks,” Reid said. “It was a bit of a rollercoaster.” Since then, Hi Yo Sass Bomb has built steadily and caught the eye in an exhibition gallop at New Plymouth, before another solid hit-out at home last weekend. “I thought I might have flattened her with that gallop, but she’s bounced through it and has been really bright this week,” Reid said. “She feels like she’s flying.” Reid concedes Saturday presents a stiff assignment first-up, but believes the mare is tough enough to measure up, with bookmakers installing her a $7 third favourite behind Legarto (Proisir) and Queen Zou (Zoustar). “She’s had a bit of time off, but she’s very genuine. I’m expecting a nice run.” Looking ahead, the Herbie Dyke Stakes (Gr 1, 2000m) at Te Rapa looms as her next major target.
High hopes for Queen Zou at Trentham
Stephen Marsh will chase a third win in Saturday’s Thorndon Mile at Trentham and believes Queen Zou can again be a major player, provided conditions fall her way. Queen Zou returns after a decisive New Year’s Day victory in the Rich Hill Mile (Gr 2, 1600m) at Ellerslie. The Zoustar (Northern Meteor) mare again carries 53 kilograms with Matt Cartwright retaining the ride. “It’s a very even field and if she gets the right track conditions, I think she’ll race extremely well,” Marsh said. “She’s in good form off that Group 2 win and has gone forward since. I just hope we don’t get too much rain.” Marsh also has a strong hand across the weekend. Promising filly In Your Dreams (Per Incanto) steps sharply up in class in the Desert Gold Stakes (Gr 3, 1600m) after an encouraging debut third at Rotorua. “She’s well above average and the big mile at Trentham should suit her if the track’s good,” he said. In the Gee & Hickton Funeral Directors Sprint (1100m), Miss Fladgate (Russian Revolution) is expected to be competitive after two wins and a solid third at Ellerslie on Boxing Day. Looking ahead to Sunday at Pukekohe, Marsh is expecting a form turnaround from Roctave (Roc De Cambes) over 2200 metres, while smart debutant Lunaman (Reliable Man) will provide clarity on whether his path leads toward the NZB Kiwi (Listed, 1500m) or the New Zealand Derby (Gr 1, 2400m).
Stakes targets in the offing for Brave Spirit
Stakes ambitions are on the radar for in-form gelding Brave Spirit (Swiss Ace) if he can maintain his momentum in Saturday’s 1400-metre open contest at Wingatui. The six-year-old has thrived since joining trainer Joseph Waldron, finishing runner-up on debut for the stable at Riccarton in October before breaking through over the same course a month later. He confirmed that progress when stepping into open company for the first time at Wingatui on Boxing Day, scoring decisively over 1200 metres. Waldron has been pleased with how the gelding has come on since and expects him to be well suited back to 1400 metres at his home track. Drawn in barrier three, Brave Spirit will again be partnered by apprentice Triston Moodley. “He should get a perfect run from that draw,” Waldron said. “He’s been in great form since his last start and his record at 1400 metres is actually better than at 1200 [metres], so I’m really looking forward to seeing him at the trip.” A strong performance could open the door to next month’s Hazlett Stakes (Listed, 1400m), although Waldron is keeping his options open. “He’s done a very good job already this prep, so we’ll just take it one run at a time,” he said.