North Canterbury galloper Trilogy has been nominated for the Auckland Cup at Ellerslie on March 9 after advancing from winning a maiden at Gore two months ago to success in a $30,000 premier event at Riccarton on November 13.
The 5-year-old daughter of Generous-Glowing Wave, is trained at Rangiora byLester Morris, who races her with long-time friend John Askin, of Rangitata, Mid Canterbury.
Trilogy won over 2500m at Riccarton after wins at Gore (2000m, maiden), Motukarara (2200m), Wyndham (2000m) and Washdyke (2100m).
She has won on all types of track conditions and should have few problems managing the 3200m of the Auckland Cup.
Trilogy, who was bought by Morris for $2500 as a 2-year-old at the 2009 South Island sale, has amassed $39,525 in stakes. She had been offered as a racing and breeding proposition by Raewyn Ramage, of Christchurch, after an unplaced run in a trial in October, 2008.
Generous, the sire of Trilogy, won the English and Irish Derbys in 1991. He began stud duty in Japan and stood six seasons in New Zealand, siring Philamor (Avondale Guineas). He is now back in Ireland.
Glowing Wave, the dam of Trilogy, was bred in the United States and has also left Zilzip, a winner over 3600m in France.
"I bought her on pedigree as her dam, grand-dam and great dam are by Kentucky Derby winners," Morris said.
Glowing Wave is by Sea Hero from Golden Secretariat, by Secretariat from Rare Exchange, by Swaps.
Morris has enjoyed some useful training wins, including the 2007 Waverley Cup and 2009 Kumara Nuggets with Quantum Dude, 2007 Dunedin Cup (Its All Good) and the 1984 listed Lion Brown Handicap at Riccarton with Super Dude.
'Trilogy is probably the best stayer I have had," he said.
"I will keep her ticking over until I sort out her programme. She just stands that much work."
