Racing: Emperor looks ready to rule

Ocean Emperor comfortably wins a Taupo trial yesterday. Photo / Race Images

Johno Benner left Taupo yesterday with two losing horses and a few reasons to smile.

On a day when some of New Zealand's most elite horse flesh was on show even before the races

began, Benner and partner Hollie Wynyard almost certainly got what they wanted — two horses in next week's $200,000 Tarzino Trophy at Hastings.

The Otaki couple made the trek to the two open class trials held before yesterday's races with stable star Scott Base and Wyndspelle and although their trials were vastly different they drove home thinking they were on track.

And more importantly, in the field for the first group one of the season.

Just two days ago both sat outside the confirmed 16 for the Tarzino on Saturday week but Wyndspelle made his way in after Julius and Shadows Cast were withdrawn on Tuesday.

That left Scott Base on the cusp and not only did he trial beautifully behind an ultra-impressive Ocean Emperor in the second trial, he now looks certain to get a Tarzino start.

Of the horses ranked above Scott Base the two more uncertain for the Tarzino were probably stayer Charles Road and Age Of Fire, who is still big and looking in need of racing or even more trials to get to group one fitness.

The latter finished last in the Ocean Emperor trial and he looks doubtful to take his place in the Tarzino, meaning Scott Base will be in, great news for Benner and Wynyard but also for punters as Scott Base has been one of the better-backed Tarzino runners.

He made good ground for his second yesterday and as the winner of the $1 million Karaka Classic last season his class isn't in doubt.

"We are thrilled with where he is at," confirmed Benner.

"It was a long way to come for a trial for both of them but we got what we wanted out of it and it is looking more and more likely they will get a start next week.

"But while we are happy with Wyndspelle obviously he will be better suited by the 1600m of the second of the big Hastings races and then peaking for the 2040m on the last day."

As sharp as Scott Base looked, it was hard not to be impressed by Ocean Emperor who backed up a good trial win at Te Teko last week with another strong performance and he has moved from $31 on Monday to $12 to win the Tarzino.

The first trial was won in all the way fashion by speedster Gift Of Power but placegetters Jon Snow and Sensible Princess confirmed they are ready for Hastings. Horse of the Year Bonneval blew out the last 100m, however. Her connections are still happy with where she is at and she is likely to head to Melbourne in coming weeks.