Racing: Classy gelding's trainers keeping all doors open

Volkstok'n'barrell has been in top form and more challenges await the six-year-old. PHOTO/TANIA WHYTE

Domestic Group One challenges await the well-performed Volkstok'n'barrell, although a return to Australia hasn't been ruled out for the 6-year-old.

The spring focus for the gelding is firstly on this Saturday's Gr.1 Windsor Park Plate (1600m) at Hastings, but it is the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2000m) a fortnight later that he is tipped to be even more competitive in.

"We certainly want to go back for the Livamol," said Donna Logan, who trains at Ruakaka with Chris Gibbs. "We think that is the best race for him."

Plans beyond the third leg of the Hawke's Bay Triple Crown series on October 7 have yet to be confirmed.

"At this point in time we will probably stay in New Zealand, but you never say never. Have horse can travel," Logan said.

Volkstok'n'barrell has made three crossings of the Tasman and won the Gr.1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) in 2015. He also placed in the Gr.1 ATC Derby (2400m) and in the Gr.2 Hollindale Stakes (1800m) during last year's Queensland winter carnival.

The son of Tavistock, who galloped well between races at Ruakaka on Saturday, resumed earlier this month following a seven-month break to finish fifth on his home turf over 1200m.

"That was great, just what we wanted," Logan said. "I had been away and Chris had been happy with the horse's work. He's come through the race well and he's looking good."

Volkstok'n'barrell had to lump 64.5kg in his first appearance since winning the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes at Te Rapa in February.

Meanwhile Prom Queen capped a dream home meeting on Saturday for her trainers when the dashing filly once again proved too slick for her rivals.

Prepared at Ruakaka by Kenny and Lisa Rae and their daughter Krystal Williams, her victory in the Gr.3 Tavistock Northland Breeders' Stakes followed earlier wins by her stablemates Kaharau and Inanna.

Undoubtedly, it was Prom Queen who was the star of the show and the daughter of Super Easy has now won seven of her eight starts and is unbeaten in both of her 3-year-old outings.

"This is marvellous, she's a freak of a horse," Kenny Rae said. "She's had her knockers off and on saying she won't go any further, but how many times does a horse have to win to prove herself."

Prom Queen was quickly into stride for rider Alysha Collett to sit outside the leader and she responded positively in the straight to sprint clear for a two-and-a-half-length victory.

"She'll have her next run in the Soliloquy Stakes at Ellerslie or in the John Grigg Stakes at Ashburton," Rae said.

"It will depend on the weather, I don't want to run her on a heavy track and I still want to have a go at the 1000 Guineas. Maybe she won't get the mile, we'll see."

- NZ Racing Desk