Racing: Volkstock'n'barrell to take on rivals

The Ruakaka races could be the last stint on New Zealand soil for Volkstok'n'barrell. Photo / NZME.

One of the most talented groups of horses to ever take charge of the Ruakaka racecourse will stride onto the seaside track tomorrow.

Two open trial races over 1000m are scheduled to run and will feature the likes of local star Volkstock'n'barrell who will take on several Gr 1 headliners, such as Mongolian Khan and Puccini, in potentially his last run on home soil before moving to Australia to prepare for the Cox Plate.

While it is not an official race, the quality of talent trialing will be some of the best that has ever been assembled at Ruakaka, let alone in New Zealand, according to local trainer Donna Logan.

"It'll be one of the hottest line-up of horses that Ruakaka's ever seen, it'll put a real feather in the cap," Logan said.

"Having this here is great, all of these horses need runs."

The strict criteria set out for horses eligible to race in the trial means that they are required to have placed 1st-5th in a Group or Listed race. Though punters will be disappointed that betting cannot be conducted on the two races, especially given the fact that Volkstock'n'barrell will be up against one of his staunchest rivals - Mongolian Khan, the trial will provide a good indicator for things to come.

"He desperately needs it," Logan said of the three-year-old Bay gelding's current state.

Logan also confirmed this "could well be" Volkstock'n'barrell's last jaunt on home soil before heading overseas due to wet weather racing in New Zealand hindering the horse's "ability to excel" and stay injury free.

Volkstok'n'barrell, trained locally by Logan and Chris Gibbs, and Mongolian Khan, trained by Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman, are being aimed at the Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup respectively.

Both are likely to solely race in Australia following this trial, therefore Northlanders have the rare chance to watch them in action prior to departing for their main targets in Australia.

Logan noted that average track conditions and "wet weather down the line" were elements taken into account when determining where the trials would take place.

Boasting one of the best winter tracks in New Zealand, Ruakaka was awarded the privilege and the horses will be in for a treat on the sublime dead 5 Ruakaka track.

OPN 1000 trials - ones to watch

Race 1, 11.45am:

Volkstok'n'barrell: winner of the Rosehill Guineas, placed at the 2015 New Zealand and Australia Derbys; Mongolian Khan: winner of the 2015 New Zealand and Australian Derby; Maygrove: winner of the 2015 Wellington Cup (Group 2); Turn Me Loose: winner of the 2014 NZ Guineas (Group 1) and 2014 Hawkes Bay Guineas (Group 2).

Race 2, 11.57am:

Dal Cielo: winner of the Haunui Farm Diamond Stakes 2015 (Group 1); Puicini: winner of the 2014 NZ Derby and 2015 Thorndon Mile.